Disclaimer
This article was written by a contributing author, and is not meant to be taken as legal advice, nor is it intended to replace the state statutes. Do your due diligence, cross-check the statutes linked, and communicate with your local municipalities, registrar, or commissioner to ensure that you remain compliant and avoid costly fees.
Kindly contact us if you have any suggestions to improve this article here.
Get Help and Avoid The Statute Confusion
As a courtesy, we are happy to connect you to an expert in your state who will guide you on being compliant with your emergency vehicle lighting and other warning equipment.
Call us at 888-439-1925.
State Overview
Before delving into the various emergency statutes, it’s important to explain what the difference is between emergency and warning lights, as well as what the definition is of an authorized emergency vehicle. These terms will be used frequently in the article and will help with your understanding.
According to section 47.1.103, an authorized emergency vehicle is a vehicle driven by the fire department, police department, ambulance service, count sheriff, FBI, and other law enforcement agencies. As such, they are permitted the use of emergency lights, which are usually red lights or blue lights. Occasionally, white lights are considered emergency lights. These lights are most often used on the way to an emergency, in order to indicate to other drivers on the road that they must move out of the way in order to not impede the vehicle from getting to the emergency.
On the other hand, warning lights are usually amber or yellow lights. These are often used by businesses like construction companies or towing companies. These are used in order to warn motorists of their operations or can be used to indicate a slow-moving vehicle. This helps protect drivers, as well as employees.
Law Enforcement Statutes
Police and Sheriff Vehicles
According to section 47.11.106 of the Oklahoma emergency vehicle light statutes, law enforcement vehicles are allowed the use of flashing red or blue lights, or a combination of both.
Contact Brooking so we may help you with the latest details for your state here.
Fire and EMT
Fire Truck & Fire Chief SUVs
According to section 47.1.103 of the Oklahoma emergency vehicle light statutes, an authorized emergency vehicle like a fire truck or fire chief SUV is permitted the use of flashing red lights. According to section 47.12.218 of the Oklahoma emergency vehicle light statutes, these lights must be visible in normal weather conditions from a minimum of 500 feet. Flashing blue lights could also be used.
Ambulance & EMT Vehicles
In accordance with section 47.12.218, ambulance and EMT vehicles are permitted to use flashing red lights and flashing blue lights. These must be visible from a minimum of 500 feet in normal weather conditions.
Contact Brooking so we may help you with the latest details for your state here.
Commercial and Amber Statutes
Wreckers and Tow Trucks
Wreckers and tow trucks can follow two different rules in regards to their lighting usage. According to section 47.12.218.1 of the Oklahoma emergency vehicle light statutes, if the wrecker or tow truck is utilized in an emergency situation, they may use flashing red lights and/or blue lights. Additionally, in non-emergencies, wreckers and tow trucks are permitted to use flashing amber lights that must be visible from the front and rear from 500 feet in normal weather conditions. These lights must only be used when on the way to or from a tow call.
Tractors
According to section 47.12.215 of the Oklahoma emergency vehicle light statutes, tractors must display at least one white light and one red light, both of which must be visible from a minimum of 500 feet in normal weather conditions. They must also be equipped with two red reflective lights and must be visible from 600 feet.
Utility Vehicles
According to section 47.12.229 of the Oklahoma emergency vehicle light statutes, utility vehicles are permitted to use flashing amber lights while working.
Construction Vehicles
According to section 47.12.229 of the Oklahoma emergency vehicle light statutes, vehicles involved in construction on highways must use flashing amber lights, as well as rear-facing flashing red and blue lights.
