N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 15 § 44.4

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 25, June 18, 2024

Section 44.4 - Blue and green lights

(a)

(1) One or more blue lights or combination blue and red lights or combination blue, red and white lights may be affixed to a police vehicle, fire vehicle, ambulance, emergency ambulance service vehicle, and county emergency medical services vehicle , provided that such blue light or lights shall be displayed on such vehicles for rear projection only. In the event that the trunk or rear gate of a police vehicle, fire vehicle, ambulance, emergency ambulance service vehicle and county emergency medical ser- vices vehicle obstructs or diminishes the visibility of other emergency lighting on such vehicle, a blue light may be affixed to and displayed from the trunk, rear gate or interior of such vehicle. Such lights may be displayed on a police vehicle, fire vehicle, ambulance, emergency ambulance service vehicle and county emergency medical services vehicle when such vehicle is engaged in an emergency operation. Nothing contained in this subdivision shall be deemed to authorize the use of blue lights on a police vehicle, fire vehicle, ambulance, emergency ambulance service vehicle and county emergency medical services vehicle unless such vehicle also displays one or ore red, or combination red and white lights as otherwise authorized in this section.

(2) One blue light may be affixed to any motor vehicle owned by a volunteer member of a fire department or on a motor vehicle owned by a member of such person's family residing in the same household or by a business enterprise in which such person has a proprietary interest or by which he is employed.

(b) One green light may be affixed to any motor vehicle owned by a member of a volunteer ambulance service, or on a motor vehicle owned by a member of such person's family, or by a business enterprise in which such person has a proprietary interest or by which he is employed.

(c) Authorization to affix a blue light to each of the motor vehicles described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section must be in writing, signed by the chief of the fire department or company. Authorization to affix a green light to each of the vehicles described in subdivision (b) of this section must be in writing and signed by the chief officer of the volunteer ambulance service. The authorization given to members of their respective organization may be revoked at any time by the chief officer who issued the same or his successor in office. Such written authority must be carried upon the person of the operator of the vehicle whenever such lights are displayed.

(d) A green light may not be affixed, nor may the authorization be given to do so, to a vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section where an ambulance service is operated by and is a function of a volunteer fire department or company.

(e) A blue light may be affixed to a vehicle which is entitled to have a green light affixed and such green light is affixed and both are properly authorized.

(f) A green light may be affixed to a vehicle, other than a police vehicle, which is entitled to have a blue light affixed and such blue light is affixed and both are properly authorized.

(g) A blue or green light may be affixed to a vehicle which is entitled to have amber lights affixed and one or more amber lights are so affixed, except that only one color which is appropriate to the activity of the vehicle may be displayed at any one time.

(h) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a blue or green light may not be affixed to a vehicle which is entitled to have red lights affixed and one or more red lights are so affixed.

(i) A vehicle authorized to have either a blue or green light affixed may display only one such light and only when engaged in an emergency operation as set forth in subdivision (b) of section 44.2 of this Part.

(j) A vehicle authorized to have both a blue and green light affixed may display only one such light at a time and only that light which is appropriate to the use of the vehicle at that time.

(k) A blue or green light affixed to and displayed upon a vehicle pursuant to the preceding provisions shall also comply with the following:

(1) Only one such light may be displayed which must be visible from in front of such vehicle.

(2) [Reserved]

(3) Such light may not be part of the headlamp system.

(4) No inscription may appear across the face of the lens or dome.

(5) Such light may be a fixed, unidirectional light, either steady or flashing, mounted in front of or behind the grille or anywhere on the vehicle, or a revolving, rotating, oscillating or constantly moving light which must be mounted above the headlamps preferably on the roof to avoid reflected glare or distraction to the operator. If mounted upon the dashboard inside the vehicle, a suitable cover, which may consist of paint, must be used to prevent reflected glare or distraction to the operator.

(6) Such light must consist of a lamp with a blue or green lens and not an uncolored lens with a blue or green bulb, except that a roof-mounted dome unit which does not include a lens, must consist of a blue or green dome and not an uncolored dome with a blue or green bulb.

(7) The lens of such a light must be not less than three inches nor more than six inches in diameter, except that a roof-mounted dome unit which does not include a lens must be not more than nine inches in height.

(8) A roof-mounted dome unit may consist of one or more bulbs or sealed-beam lamps whose light source cannot exceed 32 candlepower.

(9) The affixing of more than one light or lighting device or fixture whereby the lights or lamps are made to flash alternately is prohibited.

(10) The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to a police vehicle, fire vehicle, ambulance, emergency ambulance service vehicle, and county emergency medical services vehicle.

(l) One bar light may be used, provided that:

(1) it has a housing not more than nine inches high;

(2) it consists of a blue or green housing, and not an uncolored housing with blue or green bulbs;

(3) all bulbs inside the housing flash on and off simultaneously;

(4) the blue or green housing is continuous with no breaks, barriers or coverings which could give the appearance of two or more lights; and

(5) it is mounted on the roof of the vehicle and not on the hood, trunk or other part of the vehicle.

(m) Lights that give off blinding flashes, such as strobe lights, are prohibited.

(n) Some examples of prohibited lights are:

(1) a blue or green light on the front of the vehicle together with the same color light on the roof;

(2) a blue or green dome light and a bar light of the same color;

(3) a bar light divided into two or more parts by any section of another color, including white, or by any opaque material; or

(4) two blue or two green dome lights.

(o) A green light may not have a light source greater than 32 candlepower.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 15 § 44.4

Amended by New York State Register September 24, 2014/Volume XXXVI, Issue 38, eff. 9/24/2014.

Amended New York State Register March 4, 2015/Volume XXXVII, Issue 09, eff.3/4/2015