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.
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State Overview
Before delving into the various South Carolina emergency vehicle light statutes, it’s important to clarify and define a few terms like what an authorized emergency vehicle is, and what the difference is between an emergency and a warning light.
According to section 56.5.170 of the South Carolina emergency vehicle light statutes, an authorized emergency vehicle is considered a vehicle operated by the fire department, police, ambulance, rescue squad, coroner, or personal vehicle driven by emergency personnel.
Emergency lights are usually blue, red, or white lights. They are used when driving to or from an emergency. Warning lights on the other hand are most often used by commercial vehicles in an effort to alert other motorists of their operations on the road.
Law Enforcement Statutes
Police and Sheriff Vehicles
According to the South Carolina emergency vehicle light statutes, law enforcement vehicles, specifically police cars, are permitted the use of blue and red lights. This is in accordance with section 56.5.170 of the South Carolina emergency vehicle light statutes.
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Fire and EMT
Fire Trucks & Fire Chief SUVs
A fire truck and fire chief SUV are both considered an authorized emergency vehicle. According to section 56.5.4700 of the South Carolina emergency vehicle light statutes, they are allowed to use a flashing red light that must be visible from a minimum distance of 500 feet in normal weather conditions. These can be either on the top or rear.
Volunteer Fire Fighter Vehicles
A volunteer fire fighter vehicle is considered an authorized emergency vehicle, and as such is permitted the use of a flashing red light. This must also be visible from a minimum distance of 500 feet in normal weather conditions, like the fire trucks and fire chief SUVs. This is in accordance with section 56.5.4700 of the South Carolina emergency vehicle light statutes.
Ambulance & EMT Vehicles
As an authorized emergency vehicle, an ambulance and EMT vehicle is allowed the use of emergency lights, specifically a red light. This is in accordance with section 56.5.4700 of the South Carolina emergency vehicle light statutes. These should be visible at a minimum distance of 500 feet in normal weather conditions.
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Commercial and Amber Statutes
Wreckers and Tow Trucks
Wreckers are permitted the use of emergency lights specifically red lights when aiding at the scene of an accident according to section 56.5.4710 of the South Carolina emergency vehicle light statutes. These lights can be rotating, oscillating, or flashing.
Tractors
According to section 56.5.4650 of the South Carolina emergency vehicle light statutes, farm tractors are required to use one white light visible from the front from at least 500 feet in normal weather conditions, as well as red light that is visible from the rear at least 500 feet.
