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 diving into the individual statutes, it’s important to define certain terms, like authorized emergency vehicle, emergency lights, and warning lights.
According to West Virginia emergency vehicle light statutes, section 17C-1-6, an authorized emergency vehicle is defined as a vehicle being used by or belonging to one of the following:
And more.
Emergency lights are typically red or blue flashing lights used by an authorized emergency vehicle when driving to or from an emergency. Warning lights are typically white, amber, or another color and are used in non-emergency situations, in order to alert motorists of unusual driving behavior.
Law Enforcement Statutes
Police and Sheriff Vehicles
According to the West Virginia emergency vehicle light statutes, section §17C-15-26 explains that police cars specifically are allowed the use of blue flashing lights. Statutes also allow police cars to use red lights, as well.
Contact Brooking so we may help you with the latest details for your state here.
Fire and EMT
Fire Truck & Fire Chief SUVs
In section 17C-15-26, fire trucks and fire chief SUVs are permitted the use of flashing red lights.
Volunteer Fire Fighter Vehicles
Volunteer firefighter vehicles are also considered an authorized emergency vehicle according ot West Virginia emergency vehicle light statutes section 17C-1-6. They operate under the same statutes as fire trucks and fire chief SUVs, as in they are also required to use flashing red lights.
Ambulance & EMT Vehicles
West Virginia emergency vehicle light statutes consider ambulance & EMT vehicles to be an authorized emergency vehicle. Once again, this means that they are required to use red flashing lights and to use them only in emergency situations and not for personal use.
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 are considered an authorized emergency vehicle according to the West Virginia emergency vehicle light statute. They are therefore also allowed the use of flashing lights – red and amber.
Tractors
Tractors are mentioned in section 17C-15-9 in the West Virginia emergency vehicle light statutes, tractors are required to have two clearance lamps and one stoplight on the rear.
Utility Vehicles
Utility vehicles are permitted the use of amber or yellow flashing lights while working. Utility vehicles are mentioned in section 17C-15-26 of the statutes.
Pilot and Escort Vehicles
Pilot and escort vehicles often accompany other vehicles with oversized loads. These vehicles must use yellow and amber lights.
Construction Vehicles
Construction vehicles must use amber or yellow lights to let others know that they are conducting work operations. This is in accordance with section 17C-15-26.
Funeral Procession
According to section 17C-23-5 of the West Virginia emergency vehicle light statutes, funeral escort and lead vehicles must display one flashing light in either purple or green.
