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
According to the Washington emergency vehicle light statutes section 46.04.040, an authorized emergency vehicle is defined as any vehicle driven by the following:
- Fire department
- Police department
- Ambulance services, private and/or public
- Washington state patrol
- Prosecuting attorney
- Coroner
- Sheriff’s officer
Law Enforcement Statutes
Police and Sheriff Vehicles
According to the Washington emergency vehicle light statutes, section 204-21-130, a law enforcement vehicle must use one blue light, and may also use flashing red, amber, or white lights. The Washington emergency vehicle light statutes also state that the headlamps used by authorized emergency vehicles, including law enforcement vehicles, must flash at a rate of 120 flashes per minute per side. These lights must be visible from a minimum of 200 feet in normal weather conditions. The lights should also be a maximum of 300 candle power.
There are also specifications as to where these lights should be mounted. According to the Washington emergency vehicle light statutes, the lights shouldn’t be mounted less than 24 inches above the ground on which the vehicle stands. They should also only be used when responding to an emergency call, driving an authorized emergency vehicle, and by emergency personnel.
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Fire and EMT
Fire Truck & Fire Chief SUVs
Fire trucks and fire chief SUVs must have red flashing lights on when driving to and from emergencies, according to the Washington emergency vehicle statutes. These lights should be visible from the front as well as the rear and from 500 feet in normal weather conditions. This is in accordance with section 46.37.184.
Volunteer Fire Fighter Vehicles
Volunteer firefighter vehicles aren’t extensively mentioned in the Washington emergency vehicle light statutes. While they are mentioned to be considered an authorized emergency vehicle, it’s only briefly mentioned that they are allowed the use of green light in accordance to section 204.21.130. These lights must be visible from 200 feet in normal weather conditions.
Ambulance & EMT Vehicles
Ambulances and EMT vehicles are also considered authorized emergency vehicle, as mentioned in the definition above. In section 204.21.130 of the Washington emergency vehicle light statutes, it is written that ambulance & EMT vehicles must use headlamp flashing systems. Besides this, they are also required to use a flashing red light, as well as amber and white lights.
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Commercial and Amber Statutes
Wreckers and Tow Trucks
Tow trucks and wreckers are permitted to use flashing amber lights, which should be visible from 500 feet in normal weather conditions.
Tractors
Tractors have an extensive list of requirements when it comes to what kind of lighting equipment they’re required to use. In section 46.37.160 of the Washington emergency vehicle light statutes, tractors are explained that they need two headlamps, one red light, two red reflectors, and two red lamps on the back as well.
Utility Vehicles
Public utility vehicles are mentioned in section 2014.21.130 of the Washington emergency vehicle light statutes, where the usage of flashing amber lights are permitted. Utility vehicles are considered a maintenance vehicle, and allowed to use one or more of these flashing amber lights, and these must be seen from at least 500 feet in normal weather conditions.
Pilot and Escort Vehicles
Pilot and escort vehicles, according to section 2014.21.130 of the Washington emergency vehicle light statutes are permitted to use flashing amber lights. These must be visible from at minimum 500 feet in normal weather conditions.
Construction Vehicles
Constructions vehicles are supposed to utilize one or more amber lights as well as headlights. This is mentioned in the 204.21.130 section of the Washington emergency vehicle light statutes.
