[3] 42 - Flashing Colored Lights, Sirens, and Emergency Vehicles

Inspiration Reference CVC 25250 - 25282

Operation

Emergency responders (those who are authorized to use red or blue lights, except/not including DOT/tow/roadside assistance) shall be allowed utilize a siren and to operate their vehicle beyond the scope of traffic laws during the performance of their official duties so long as the emergency responder operates their vehicle with due care and regard for the safety of other persons and their property.

Permitted Flashing Light Use

Red

Rescue services, San Andreas Fire & Rescue, Lifeguard Service, Coroner's Office, Private Ambulance Companies, the Government's Office of Emergency Services & Management, Parking Enforcement, and law enforcement agencies as defined by the Law Enforcement Authority Doctrine.

Tow trucks, roadside assistance, and DOT may only display flashing red lights while providing service to a disabled vehicle or when an unusual traffic hazard/situation exists upon a roadway.

Blue

Law enforcement agencies as defined by the Law Enforcement Authority Doctrine.

Amber/Orange/Yellow

Any vehicle authorized to utilize red or blue lights.

Tow trucks and roadside assistance may only display flashing amber lights while providing service to a disabled vehicle or when an unusual traffic hazard/situation exists upon a roadway.

Public utility and private construction may only display flashing amber lights while parked or working on or near roadways.

Commercial vehicles and their pilot cars may only display flashing amber lights while engaged in the transportation of oversized loads.

Vehicles participating in funeral processions.

Private security vehicles may only display flashing amber lights on property they are securing.

Purple

Vehicles participating in funeral processions, off-duty or volunteer firefighters/EMTs/paramedics responding to an emergency call, San Andreas Fire & Rescue, and the medical examiner/coroner's office during the performance of their official duties.

Green

Any vehicle authorized to utilize red or blue lights.

White

White lights may be used by any vehicle so long as the lighting is not configured in an excessively distracting or disruptive manner to roadway operation and the safety of roadway users.

Code Violations

Utilizing colored lighting and/or a siren on a public roadway without authorization through this code.

Infraction Sentence: None Fine: $500 Equipment that is used to violate this code shall be confiscated by law enforcement. The vehicle may be impounded at the discretion of the charging officer.

Using colored lighting and/or a siren on a public roadway while attempting to or successfully bypassing/interfering with traffic or a traffic control device without authorization to use the siren or colored light through this code.

Misdemeanor Sentence: None (Cite and Release) Fine: $1,000 Equipment that is used to violate this code shall be confiscated by law enforcement. The vehicle may be impounded at the discretion of the charging officer.

If a person engages in behavior appears to attempt to give the impression of being a law enforcement officer by attempting to, or successfully, stopping/detaining another motorist on a public roadway, please reference [1] 11 - Impersonating a Police Officer.