Utah Emergency Vehicle Light Statutes

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 statutes, it’s important to define what an authorized emergency vehicle is, and what the difference is between emergency and warning lights.

According to section 41-6a-102 of the Utah emergency vehicle light statutes, an authorized emergency vehicle is considered any of the following:

Fire department
Police
Ambulance
Any vehicles issued from the commissioner of the Department of Public Safety

Emergency and warning lights fulfill different functions. Emergency lights are most often used by an authorized emergency vehicle and are only permitted to be used during emergency situations. Emergency lights typically are red or white. Warning lights, on the other hand, are used in order to warn other motorists of a slow-moving vehicle ahead, or of construction, anything that could possibly impede traffic. These are typically amber or different colors and are most often used for commercial purposes.

Law Enforcement Statutes

Police and Sheriff Vehicles

According to section 41.6a.1616 of the Utah emergency vehicle light statutes, law enforcement vehicles are permitted the use of a red light that must be visible from the center of the front of the vehicle. Additionally, blue lights may be used by law enforcement vehicles. These also must be visible from the center of the front of the vehicle. In section 41.6a.1610 of the Utah emergency vehicle light statutes, it is explained that law enforcement vehicles are allowed to use more than two spot lamps.

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Fire and EMT

Fire Truck & Fire Chief SUVs

A fire truck and fire chief SUV are both considered an authorized emergency vehicle. A fire truck is permitted the use of red lights, specifically rotating and/or flashing red lights must be used in an emergency situation. These must be on on the way to and from an emergency. This is in accordance with section 41-6a-1616.

Volunteer Fire Fighter Vehicles

Volunteer firefighter vehicles are also considered an authorized emergency vehicle. Section 41-6a-1616 of the Utah emergency vehicle light statutes views these vehicles the same as fire trucks and fire chief SUVs. Rotating and/or flashing red lights are permitted to be used on the way to an emergency, as well as on the return trip.

Ambulance & EMT Vehicles

Ambulances and EMT vehicles are allowed to use red lights. They must be rotating or flashing, according to the section 41-6a-1616 of the Utah emergency vehicle light statutes.