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 specifics of the Tennessee emergency vehicle light statutes, it’s important to understand the difference between warning and emergency lights, as well as what an authorized emergency vehicle is. According to section 55-8-108 of the Tennessee emergency vehicle light statutes, an authorized emergency vehicle is defined as any vehicle used by the fire department, police department, or fire patrol. It also includes any ambulance or EMT vehicles.
Emergency lights are lights that are typically attached to an authorized emergency vehicle, driven by authorized emergency personnel in an emergency situation. Usually, red, white, or blue lights are considered to be emergency lights, while amber and other colored lights are considered warning lights. Warning lights are most often used in order to alert motorists of operations of a commercial or maintenance vehicle ahead. They help keep both employees and drivers safe.
Law Enforcement
Police and Sheriff Vehicles
According to section 55.9.402 of the Tennessee emergency vehicle light statutes, law enforcement vehicles are permitted the use of flashing red, white, and blue lights. These may be used on their own or in combination with one another. They are also allowed to use steady-burning red, white, or blue lights.
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Fire and EMT Statutes
Fire Truck & Fire Chief SUVs
A fire truck and fire chief SUV is considered an authorized emergency vehicle as mentioned in section 55-8-108 of the Tennessee emergency vehicle light statutes. Fire trucks and fire chief SUVs are allowed the use of white and red flashing emergency lights, as long as they are used on their way to and from an emergency. This is in accordance with section 55-9-402 of the Tennessee emergency vehicle light statutes. As an authorized emergency vehicle, a fire truck and fire chief SUV is also allowed to have a steady-burning red emergency light.
Volunteer Fire Fighter Vehicles
Volunteer firefighter vehicles are considered an authorized emergency vehicle. They are used in order to provide emergency services and therefore are permitted to use emergency lights in the colors red and white. These must be used on the way to and from an emergency, and should not be used in any other situation. This is in accordance with section 55-9-402 of the Tennessee emergency vehicle light statutes. Volunteer firefighter vehicles are also permitted to use a steady-burning red emergency light.
Ambulance & EMT Vehicles
Ambulance and EMT vehicles are given the same emergency light usage as volunteer firefighters and fire trucks and fire chief SUVs. As an authorized emergency vehicle, they are permitted the use of red and white flashing lights when driving to and from an emergency. This is in accordance with section 55-9-402 of the Tennessee emergency vehicle light statutes.
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Commercial and Amber Statutes
Security Vehicles
Security vehicles, as long as they are public or private security services, must be equipped with flashing lights of any color outside of red, white, or blue. This is in accordance with section 55-9-402.
Wreckers and Tow Trucks
A tow truck is allowed the use of amber and white flashing warning lights. These can be strobe lights or regular flashing lights. This is in accordance with section 55-9-402 of the Tennessee emergency vehicle light statutes.
Utility Vehicles
According to section 55-9-402, a utility vehicle is permitted the use of an amber light or white flashing warning lights.
Construction Vehicles
In accordance with section 55-9-402 of the Tennessee emergency vehicle light statutes, construction vehicles are permitted the use of white and amber warning lights.
Funeral Procession
According to section 55-8-183, a lead vehicle must use a flashing amber light so it can be identified as such by other motorists on the road. If a police car is the lead vehicle, it must use a blue and a flashing amber light to identify itself as such. Should a motorcycle be escorting a funeral procession, it’s required that they use green strobe flashing lights in accordance with Tennessee emergency vehicle light statutes section 55-9-402.
