Is It Illegal to Have Police Lights on Your Car? State Laws Explained

A complete guide to emergency vehicle lighting laws, what colors are restricted, who can legally use them, and the penalties for violations in all 50 states.

Last Updated: January 2026 Read Time: 11 min Category: Legal Guide Author: Owl Badges Team

📌 Quick Answer

Yes, it is generally illegal to have red and blue flashing lights on a private vehicle. These colors are reserved for law enforcement and emergency vehicles in all 50 states. Installing them on your car, even if you never use them, can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and even criminal charges. Some exceptions exist for volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and security vehicles with proper permits.

Why Emergency Vehicle Lights Are Restricted

Emergency vehicle lights aren’t just colorful decorations – they’re a critical communication system that can mean the difference between life and death. When you see red and blue flashing lights, your brain immediately recognizes that an emergency vehicle needs to pass, and you know to pull over and yield.

This instant recognition only works because the public trusts that those lights indicate a real police officer, firefighter, or EMT responding to an emergency. If anyone could install these lights, that trust would erode, and people might not yield to actual emergency vehicles – potentially costing lives.

Additionally, emergency lights have been used by criminals to pull over unsuspecting motorists for robbery, assault, or worse. Strict regulation helps protect the public from these predators while preserving the effectiveness of genuine emergency response.

What Different Light Colors Mean

Emergency vehicle light colors aren’t random – each color has specific meanings and authorized uses. Understanding these helps clarify why certain colors are more heavily restricted than others.

Color	Primary Use	Restriction Level
Blue	Law enforcement (police, sheriff, state troopers)	Highest – Police only
Red	Fire departments, ambulances, some police	High – Emergency only
Red + Blue	Police vehicles (most jurisdictions)	Highest – Never legal for civilians
Amber/Yellow	Construction, tow trucks, utility vehicles, hazards	Low – Often legal for private use
Green	Volunteer firefighters, EMS, command posts	Moderate – Permit required
Purple	Funeral escorts (some states)	Moderate – Specific use only
White	Spotlights, scene lighting, some emergency vehicles	Low – Generally unrestricted (non-flashing)

💡 Key Point

The combination of red AND blue flashing lights is universally recognized as law enforcement. This combination is illegal for civilians in every state, with no exceptions. Even having the lights installed (not activated) can be illegal in many jurisdictions.

State-by-State Emergency Light Laws

While all states restrict emergency vehicle lights, the specific regulations, permitted uses, and penalties vary significantly. Here’s an overview of how major states handle this issue:

State	Blue Lights	Red Lights	Amber Lights	Penalty Range
California	Police only	Emergency only	Permitted w/ restrictions	$1,000+ fine, misdemeanor
Texas	Police only	Emergency/volunteers	Generally permitted	Class C misdemeanor
Florida	Police only	Emergency only	Permitted for hazards	2nd degree misdemeanor
New York	Police only	Emergency/volunteers	Hazard vehicles OK	$150-450 fine, points
Illinois	Police only	Emergency only	Permitted	Class A misdemeanor
Pennsylvania	Police only	Emergency/volunteers	Permitted	Summary offense to misdemeanor
Ohio	Police only	Emergency only	Generally permitted	Minor misdemeanor
Georgia	Police only	Emergency/volunteer	Permitted	Misdemeanor
Michigan	Police only	Emergency/volunteers	Permitted	Civil infraction to misdemeanor
Arizona	Police only	Emergency only	Permitted	Class 2 misdemeanor

Who Can Legally Use Emergency Lights?

While the average civilian cannot use emergency lights, there are legitimate categories of people who can, often with permits or specific authorization:

Law Enforcement

Police officers, sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, and federal agents can use red and blue lights on official vehicles during official duties.

Fire Departments

Firefighters on official apparatus. Some states allow volunteer firefighters to use red or green lights on personal vehicles when responding to calls.

EMS Personnel

EMTs and paramedics on ambulances. Some states permit lights on personal vehicles for on-call personnel.

Security Personnel

Some security officers may use amber lights. Red/blue lights for security are generally prohibited, though some states allow exceptions with permits.

Tow Trucks & Service Vehicles

Amber/yellow lights are generally permitted for tow trucks, construction vehicles, utility vehicles, and other service vehicles.

Funeral Escorts

Some states allow purple or amber lights for funeral procession escort vehicles with proper permits.

⚠️ Even Authorized Users Have Limits

Even if you’re authorized to use emergency lights, misusing them is still illegal. A volunteer firefighter who uses their lights to get to work faster (not responding to a call) can face the same charges as a civilian. Authorization is for emergency response only.

Penalties for Illegal Emergency Light Use

The consequences of having or using illegal emergency lights on your vehicle range from minor fines to serious criminal charges, depending on the circumstances:

Simple Possession/Installation

Traffic citation
$100-$1,000 fine
Order to remove lights
Points on license (some states)

Using Lights to Pull Someone Over

Felony police impersonation
1-10+ years in prison
$5,000-$25,000 fines
Vehicle impoundment/forfeiture

Additional Charges You Could Face

Using emergency lights improperly can lead to stacked charges beyond just the light violation:

Police impersonation: If you use lights to exercise authority, you’ll face impersonation charges – a felony in most states.
False imprisonment/kidnapping: Pulling someone over with fake lights can be charged as unlawful detention.
Assault/robbery: If you commit additional crimes after stopping someone, expect those charges too.
Reckless driving: Using lights to speed through traffic or run red lights.

Legal Alternatives for Vehicle Lighting

If you need additional lighting on your vehicle for legitimate purposes, there are legal options:

Generally Legal Options

Amber/Yellow flashing lights: Legal in most states for indicating a slow-moving vehicle, roadside hazard, or work vehicle
White spotlights: Generally legal when not used while driving on public roads
LED light bars (white/amber): Legal for off-road use; check local laws for on-road restrictions
Hazard flashers: Your vehicle’s built-in hazard lights are always legal to use appropriately
Strobe lights for agricultural/slow vehicles: Many states permit these for farm equipment and oversize loads

Common Scenarios and Questions

Is it illegal if the lights are installed but turned off?

In many states, yes. Some states prohibit even having the capability to display illegal lights, regardless of whether they’re activated. The rationale is that if you have them, you could use them. Check your specific state’s laws, but the safest approach is not to install restricted lights at all.

What about lights inside the windshield?

Interior-mounted lights (like dash-mounted strobes) are subject to the same restrictions as external lights. The location doesn’t matter – the color and function do. Red and blue interior lights are just as illegal as external ones.

Can I use emergency lights on private property?

Generally yes, if the property isn’t accessible to public traffic. Using them on your own farm, in your garage, or on a private race track is typically fine. Problems arise when you use them where they could be mistaken for real emergency signals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy police lights online?

Yes, the purchase is legal. Many vendors sell emergency lights online. The crime isn’t buying them – it’s installing them on a vehicle that operates on public roads (in most states) or using them to impersonate emergency vehicles. Some states do restrict the sale of lights configured specifically to mimic police vehicles.

I’m a volunteer firefighter. Can I have lights on my personal car?

Many states allow volunteer firefighters and EMTs to use specific colored lights (often red, green, or blue depending on the state) on personal vehicles when responding to emergencies. However, this typically requires registration with your department and local authorities. Check your state’s specific requirements – unauthorized use can result in charges even for active volunteers.

What if I see someone using fake police lights?

If you see someone using emergency lights inappropriately or suspect they’re impersonating police, call 911. Don’t pull over for an unmarked vehicle with lights if you feel unsafe – slow down, turn on your hazards, and drive to a public, well-lit area or police station while calling 911 to verify the stop.

Can security guards use emergency lights?

Security officers can typically use amber/yellow lights. Red and blue lights are almost universally prohibited for private security vehicles, though some states allow limited exceptions with special permits. Security professionals should clearly differentiate their vehicles from police to avoid impersonation issues.

Are underglow lights illegal?

Underglow lights (neon lights under the car) are in a gray area. Many states allow them as long as they’re not red or blue, not flashing, and don’t distract other drivers. Some states prohibit them entirely, while others allow all colors except red and blue. Check your local laws specifically.

📋 Key Takeaways

Red and blue flashing lights are reserved for law enforcement and emergency vehicles in all states
Even having the lights installed (not activated) is illegal in many jurisdictions
Using fake police lights to stop someone is a serious felony with potential prison time
Amber/yellow lights are generally legal for hazard and work vehicles
Volunteer firefighters/EMTs may qualify for permits in some states
Security vehicles typically can only use amber lights, not red or blue

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and jurisdiction. If you have specific legal questions, please consult with a qualified attorney or your local DMV.

Owl Badges Team

The Owl Badges Team creates custom police badges, sheriff badges, fire department badges, and security badges for agencies across America.