lol. Acccccctually. That requires a state permit in NJ also. Can't have amber without meeting state guidelines for qualification, and applying for approval. Can loose your license if you use Amber without the permit. Welcome to the Garden State!
emergency red lights
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lol. Acccccctually. That requires a state permit in NJ also. Can't have amber without meeting state guidelines for qualification, and applying for approval. Can loose your license if you use Amber without the permit. Welcome to the Garden State!
When you park the vehicle, place your 4 ways or hazard lights on. Then you get your blinky red lights to the rear, or possibly yellow
That's a whole new can of worms. In CT you need a permit for that too.
radioman2001
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I'm sure NJMVC is the top tier, but they cannot regulate local administration. I'm sure in the DMV code the local agency has guidelines they must follow to be compliant with NJ law, but those agencies whether they are FD PD or other can regulate locally. Yes you are from NJ, and maybe slightly different, but overall NJMVC doesn't issue the permits the local department does. I don't see it any different anywhere in the U.S.
First step is you local department, period, you work or volunteer for them, not the state.
First step is you local department, period, you work or volunteer for them, not the state.
robbinsj2
Member
I just went through NJ blue light permit renewal / re-issuance as my prior one expired. NJMVC administers technical requirements -- minimums and maximums -- which are state law. The permit application is their form which the local emergency service agency endorses (says you're qualified/eligible) then sends to the local PD for processing and issuance. Your agency and the local PD may enact more stringent requirements than MVC stipulates but legally cannot waive any of the state blue light law(s). And the state law indicates who is eligible, the local agency just indicates that you meet those eligibility requirements.
Back to the OP -- it's real easy, red emergency lights in a POV are legal for use on a roadway in NJ if you have a red light permit. Do you have a red light permit or only a blue light permit? My understanding is that department chief officers and second-in-command officers (assistant or deputy chiefs) are eligible for red light permits but that may be out-dated; it doesn't concern me so I haven't kept up.
Jim
New Jersey Statutes...
Welcome to e911god's law class regarding the use of blue and/or red lights in New Jersey...
BLUE
39:3-54.7. Mounting and operation of emergency warning lights.
1. a. An active member in good standing of any of the following organizations may mount and operate, on a motor vehicle operated by that member, an emergency warning light or lights as provided in P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.):
(1) a volunteer fire company or a volunteer first aid or rescue squad recognized by and rendering service in any municipality; or
(2) any county or municipal volunteer Office of Emergency Management recognized by and rendering service in any county or municipality, provided the member's official duties include responding to a fire or emergency call.
b. The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall not require the member to specify on which motor vehicles the emergency warning light or lights may be mounted.
39:3-54.8. Time of operation
Emergency warning lights may be operated only while the vehicle is being used in answering a fire or emergency call.
39:3-54.9. Specifications.
3. Emergency warning lights shall be removable or permanently attached, of the flashing or revolving type, equipped with a blue lens and controlled by a switch installed inside the vehicle or shall be blue of the light bar type, in accordance with the specifications prescribed by the chief administrator.
39:3-54.10. Placement of motor vehicle, types of lights.
4. No more than two emergency warning lights shall be installed on a vehicle. If one light is used it shall be installed in the center of the roof of the car, or on the front of the vehicle so that the top of the emergency warning light is no higher than the top of the vehicle's headlights, or in the center of the dashboard. It may be a low profile light bar of the strobe, halogen or incandescent type, or a combination thereof. If two lights are used they may be placed on the windshield columns on each side of the vehicle where spotlights are normally mounted, or on either side of the roof at the front of the vehicle directly back of the top of the windshield. Under no circumstances may one light be placed on the roof and one on the windshield column in the spotlight position. Light elements shall be shielded from direct sight or view of the driver.
39:3-54.11. Identification cards; issuance.
5. a. The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall prepare suitable identification cards bearing the signature of the chief administrator which, upon the request of the mayor or chief executive officer of any municipality recognizing and being served by a volunteer fire company or a volunteer first aid or rescue squad on a form and in a manner prescribed by the chief administrator, shall be forwarded to the mayor or chief executive officer, to be countersigned and issued by the mayor or chief executive officer to the members in good standing of the volunteer fire company or first aid or rescue squad.
b. Identification cards issued pursuant to this section and sections 5 and 6 of P.L.2005, c.34 (C.39:3-54.22 and C.39:3-54.23)shall be considered permits to mount and operate emergency warning lights as provided for in P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.) and shall apply to any motor vehicle driven by the member of a volunteer fire company, a volunteer first aid or rescue squad or a volunteer Office of Emergency Management. Emergency warning lights shall not be mounted prior to the issuance of the identification cards. Each member of a volunteer fire company, a volunteer first aid or rescue squad or a volunteer Office of Emergency Management must carry the identification card while an emergency warning light or lights are operated on the vehicle.
39:3-54.12. Rights of motor vehicle with emergency lights in operation.
6. Nothing contained herein is intended to grant to any member of a volunteer fire company, a volunteer first aid or rescue squad or a volunteer Office of Emergency Management any privileges or exemptions denied to the drivers of other vehicles, and such members operating emergency warning lights shall drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and shall obey all the traffic laws of this State including R.S.39:4-81, provided, however, that the drivers of non-emergency vehicles upon any highway shall yield the right of way to the vehicle of any member of a volunteer fire company, a volunteer first aid or rescue squad or a volunteer Office of Emergency Management operating emergency warning lights in the same manner as is provided for authorized emergency vehicles pursuant to R.S.39:4-92.
39:3-54.13. Violation of act; penalty.
7. Any person authorized to operate emergency warning lights pursuant to P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.) who willfully operates such emergency warning lights in violation of the provisions of P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.) shall be liable to a penalty of not more than $100 and the person's privilege to operate such emergency warning lights may be suspended or revoked by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. A person who is not authorized to operate emergency warning lights who willfully operates such emergency warning lights shall be liable to a penalty of not more than $200.
RED
39:3-54.15. Warning lights, sirens on vehicle of volunteer fire, first aid or rescue squad chiefs or officers.
1. A current chief or first assistant chief of a volunteer fire company, or chief officer of a first aid or rescue squad, recognized by and rendering service in any municipality may mount and operate on a motor vehicle owned by him and registered in his name a red emergency warning light or lights, a siren, or both, as prescribed in P.L.1985, c.171 (C.39:3-54.15 et seq.). The size and type of lights and siren, and the location of their controls, shall be determined by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
39:3-54.16. Placement of lights
All red emergency lights shall be mounted on the exterior of the motor vehicle. No more than two red emergency warning lights shall be installed on a vehicle. If one light is used it shall be installed in the center of the roof of the vehicle, or on the left windshield column in a position where a spotlight is normally located. If two lights are used they may be placed on the windshield columns on each side of the vehicle where spotlights are normally mounted, or on either side of the roof at the front of the vehicle directly back of the top of the windshield. Under no circumstances may one light be placed on the roof and one on a windshield column in the spotlight position. They shall be operated only while the vehicle is being used by the registered owner chief or first assistant chief in answering a fire or emergency call.
39:3-54.17. Siren mounting, operation
All sirens shall be mounted under the hood of the motor vehicle and shall be operated only while the vehicle is being used by the registered owner chief or first assistant chief in answering a fire or emergency call.
39:3-54.18. Identification cards
The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles shall prepare suitable identification cards bearing the signature of the director, which, upon the request of the mayor or chief executive officer of any municipality recognizing and being served by a volunteer fire company, on a form and in a manner prescribed by the director, shall be forwarded to the mayor or chief executive officer, to be countersigned and issued by the mayor or chief executive officer to the chief or first assistant chief of the volunteer fire company. Identification cards issued pursuant to this section shall be considered permits to display and operate red emergency warning lights, sirens, or both, as provided for in this act, and no lights or sirens shall be mounted prior to the issuance of the identification cards. Each chief or first assistant chief of a volunteer fire company shall carry the identification card while red emergency warning lights, sirens, or both, are displayed on his vehicle.
Welcome to e911god's law class regarding the use of blue and/or red lights in New Jersey...
BLUE
39:3-54.7. Mounting and operation of emergency warning lights.
1. a. An active member in good standing of any of the following organizations may mount and operate, on a motor vehicle operated by that member, an emergency warning light or lights as provided in P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.):
(1) a volunteer fire company or a volunteer first aid or rescue squad recognized by and rendering service in any municipality; or
(2) any county or municipal volunteer Office of Emergency Management recognized by and rendering service in any county or municipality, provided the member's official duties include responding to a fire or emergency call.
b. The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall not require the member to specify on which motor vehicles the emergency warning light or lights may be mounted.
39:3-54.8. Time of operation
Emergency warning lights may be operated only while the vehicle is being used in answering a fire or emergency call.
39:3-54.9. Specifications.
3. Emergency warning lights shall be removable or permanently attached, of the flashing or revolving type, equipped with a blue lens and controlled by a switch installed inside the vehicle or shall be blue of the light bar type, in accordance with the specifications prescribed by the chief administrator.
39:3-54.10. Placement of motor vehicle, types of lights.
4. No more than two emergency warning lights shall be installed on a vehicle. If one light is used it shall be installed in the center of the roof of the car, or on the front of the vehicle so that the top of the emergency warning light is no higher than the top of the vehicle's headlights, or in the center of the dashboard. It may be a low profile light bar of the strobe, halogen or incandescent type, or a combination thereof. If two lights are used they may be placed on the windshield columns on each side of the vehicle where spotlights are normally mounted, or on either side of the roof at the front of the vehicle directly back of the top of the windshield. Under no circumstances may one light be placed on the roof and one on the windshield column in the spotlight position. Light elements shall be shielded from direct sight or view of the driver.
39:3-54.11. Identification cards; issuance.
5. a. The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall prepare suitable identification cards bearing the signature of the chief administrator which, upon the request of the mayor or chief executive officer of any municipality recognizing and being served by a volunteer fire company or a volunteer first aid or rescue squad on a form and in a manner prescribed by the chief administrator, shall be forwarded to the mayor or chief executive officer, to be countersigned and issued by the mayor or chief executive officer to the members in good standing of the volunteer fire company or first aid or rescue squad.
b. Identification cards issued pursuant to this section and sections 5 and 6 of P.L.2005, c.34 (C.39:3-54.22 and C.39:3-54.23)shall be considered permits to mount and operate emergency warning lights as provided for in P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.) and shall apply to any motor vehicle driven by the member of a volunteer fire company, a volunteer first aid or rescue squad or a volunteer Office of Emergency Management. Emergency warning lights shall not be mounted prior to the issuance of the identification cards. Each member of a volunteer fire company, a volunteer first aid or rescue squad or a volunteer Office of Emergency Management must carry the identification card while an emergency warning light or lights are operated on the vehicle.
39:3-54.12. Rights of motor vehicle with emergency lights in operation.
6. Nothing contained herein is intended to grant to any member of a volunteer fire company, a volunteer first aid or rescue squad or a volunteer Office of Emergency Management any privileges or exemptions denied to the drivers of other vehicles, and such members operating emergency warning lights shall drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and shall obey all the traffic laws of this State including R.S.39:4-81, provided, however, that the drivers of non-emergency vehicles upon any highway shall yield the right of way to the vehicle of any member of a volunteer fire company, a volunteer first aid or rescue squad or a volunteer Office of Emergency Management operating emergency warning lights in the same manner as is provided for authorized emergency vehicles pursuant to R.S.39:4-92.
39:3-54.13. Violation of act; penalty.
7. Any person authorized to operate emergency warning lights pursuant to P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.) who willfully operates such emergency warning lights in violation of the provisions of P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.) shall be liable to a penalty of not more than $100 and the person's privilege to operate such emergency warning lights may be suspended or revoked by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. A person who is not authorized to operate emergency warning lights who willfully operates such emergency warning lights shall be liable to a penalty of not more than $200.
RED
39:3-54.15. Warning lights, sirens on vehicle of volunteer fire, first aid or rescue squad chiefs or officers.
1. A current chief or first assistant chief of a volunteer fire company, or chief officer of a first aid or rescue squad, recognized by and rendering service in any municipality may mount and operate on a motor vehicle owned by him and registered in his name a red emergency warning light or lights, a siren, or both, as prescribed in P.L.1985, c.171 (C.39:3-54.15 et seq.). The size and type of lights and siren, and the location of their controls, shall be determined by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
39:3-54.16. Placement of lights
All red emergency lights shall be mounted on the exterior of the motor vehicle. No more than two red emergency warning lights shall be installed on a vehicle. If one light is used it shall be installed in the center of the roof of the vehicle, or on the left windshield column in a position where a spotlight is normally located. If two lights are used they may be placed on the windshield columns on each side of the vehicle where spotlights are normally mounted, or on either side of the roof at the front of the vehicle directly back of the top of the windshield. Under no circumstances may one light be placed on the roof and one on a windshield column in the spotlight position. They shall be operated only while the vehicle is being used by the registered owner chief or first assistant chief in answering a fire or emergency call.
39:3-54.17. Siren mounting, operation
All sirens shall be mounted under the hood of the motor vehicle and shall be operated only while the vehicle is being used by the registered owner chief or first assistant chief in answering a fire or emergency call.
39:3-54.18. Identification cards
The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles shall prepare suitable identification cards bearing the signature of the director, which, upon the request of the mayor or chief executive officer of any municipality recognizing and being served by a volunteer fire company, on a form and in a manner prescribed by the director, shall be forwarded to the mayor or chief executive officer, to be countersigned and issued by the mayor or chief executive officer to the chief or first assistant chief of the volunteer fire company. Identification cards issued pursuant to this section shall be considered permits to display and operate red emergency warning lights, sirens, or both, as provided for in this act, and no lights or sirens shall be mounted prior to the issuance of the identification cards. Each chief or first assistant chief of a volunteer fire company shall carry the identification card while red emergency warning lights, sirens, or both, are displayed on his vehicle.
KD0LDK
Member
It needs to be. This is a question for the Chief. Everybody here can speculate his department's SOG's and how they operate, but the Chief has ultimate say.
GO WITH YOUR CHIEF.
Wow I guess we can't have a coversation anymore. If you don't like the thread, don't read or respon. Its that Simple. No one was getting nasty or off topic. Someone asked a question an it was answered. No need to cal for it to be locked.
lindsay34654
Member
What ever happened to the Land of the Free? you have to have a permit for everything or you get find or end up in jail.
I guess it's time for some more education courtesy of e911god. First of all, the OP has every right to ask the question and no, it doesn't have to be about radios If you have a problem with it, don't answer it. Posting "lock the thread" comments in the thread is not how we notify the Moderators. If you click on the link in my signature line, it explains how to notify the appropriate people who will review the thread and make a determination of whether or not it needs to be locked. Judging by the fact that a Moderator (me) posted a response to the OPs question above the "lock the thread" comment and didn't close it should be a clue that the thread was viewed and will remain open. You may also want to review all the forum rules and guidelines in the link as far as respecting other members, policing threads, offering certain advice, etc.
For example, the "go with your chief" comment has nothing to do with the applicable laws in New Jersey. If my chief says I can run red because I'm his drinking buddy but the statute does not permit it, do you think that will hold up as a defense to any civil or criminal matter? But my chief said I could your honor...
If anyone has anything they would like to discuss further, feel free to PM me.
-Your friendly Moderator
For example, the "go with your chief" comment has nothing to do with the applicable laws in New Jersey. If my chief says I can run red because I'm his drinking buddy but the statute does not permit it, do you think that will hold up as a defense to any civil or criminal matter? But my chief said I could your honor...
If anyone has anything they would like to discuss further, feel free to PM me.
-Your friendly Moderator
Enjoy your time off for that comment after my previous post.
Confuzzled
Member
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Well, in all fairness, the Chief really is the one responsible. They're not going to authorize anything that isn't in the law, at least most won't. Even if the law allowed red/rear, if the Chief says No, the answer for people reporting to that Chief is No. Like I said earlier, the Chief is the one that's going to toss you off the department if you violate policy.
Side note on the Mod thing.....
For some reason, Mods here aren't always easily identifiable, nor are the tasks they're responsible for. In your case, it's only below your Sig line. Even the board rank below your username says "Member" instead of "Moderator". Others have a badge/icon at the top of their posts. On most other boards, the ID/Username of the Mods/SuperMods/Admins, etc are color coded and their board rank is clearly stated which makes it easier and more uniform for the members to recognize.
But all this aside, has anyone noticed the OP has never replied?
Last edited:
sdetermann
Member
Just curious, the OP posted his question in the "New Jersey Radio Discussion Forum- Forum for discussing Radio Information in the State of New Jersey" as listed at the top of each page of this thread. How does emergency lighting relate to a forum discussing radio information in the State of New Jersey? Your second sentence from the post this a.m. states "First of all, the OP has every right to ask the question and no, it doesn't have to be about radios." What's the use of having a specific forum that any question can be asked in? Yes, he has the right to ask, but maybe the appropriate forum should be created to avoid these issues.
Feel free to give me time off.
Feel free to give me time off.
I agree. But does a local fire chief of a small town department really know all the applicable laws regarding types of lights, when they can be in used (responding vs. parked on a scene), the placement of certain lights, etc. The statutes are very clear. Granted, most LEO's are not going to give you a hard time if you are running one light to the front and one to the back. But they may have a problem if you have more lights than they do. The Chief may have said you can put the lightbar across the roof because you have a long response and because he thinks the entire bar is considered one light. But the statute may state otherwise. My point is the Chief can make things more strict but he can't go above what the law states.
First of all, your posts are a bit different than dubenezic. His first repose to the OP's question was a one liner "Don't be a whacker" followed by another one line "lock the thread" post. Additionally, after I posted a warning about forum rules and guidelines and said to PM me if you had questions or concerns, he specifically ignored my request...so now he gets a little time to cool down.
In response to your question, the OP post count was one which means he is a new member. We encourage people to come to this site where they can ask questions. Yes, it was a bit off topic but being that he is new and his question was getting answers, we as Moderators allowed the thread to remain open. It is our job to decide that, and that is why we are here.
If you as a member think something needs attention, there is an appropriate way to notify us by clicking the link on the upper right corner of the thread. Posting one liners which may cause the new member to never come back to this site will not be tolerated. Confuzzled even posted how he noticed the OP never posted after his original question. Additionally, we will usually PM the OP and educate them as to the rules of the forums as well. But the one liners and the ignoring of requests will not be tolerated.
KD0LDK
Member
I'm not trying to be negative by saying 'go with the Chief', I'm being realistic.
Just because law states you can have lights doesn't mean you can, my department is a prime example of that. Kansas State law allows the use of red/blue lights & sirens for duly authorized emergency vehicles. Surrounding county firefighters have red/blue lights & sirens. Chief and local officials say no for my county, which is precisely why I say ask the Chief. We can speculate from hundreds or thousands of miles away but put quite frankly, the man who makes the ultimate decision (assuming law allows lights) stands before the person who created this thread.
Ban me, whatever; I know how the fire service operates and this is not a question for others to speculate. Even if we give him the answer, who cares? We can't give him the authority to use these. ONLY HIS CHIEF CAN.
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