I'm pretty new to EMS and this website but I have a quick question. I am interested in putting some POV lights on my 2008 Nissan Sentra. I live and work in New York State, but I'm not sure what the legality issues are.
Are volunteers supposed to use Blue or Green lights? Can you have a siren? I think I'm going to get the Galls Volunteer starter package which include a siren, controller, and Mini Max LED light bar.
Permalink Reply by Jim on November 20, 2008 at 5:29pm
One thing to understand when you put those lights on your vehicle is that you are requesting the right of way and not always given it. Just because you have lights doesn't mean you can drive as fast as you want. Most insurance companines will not cover you if you are running lights without siren and maybe even if you have a siren, and they will drop you if you get in a crash. So us your head and slow down at every intersection whether you have the right away or not and watch out for other drivers. Good luck in the new carreer.
I don't know about NY, but out here, you CANNOT use them like reds. The greens are ONLY to be turned on once you're onscene, to identify your vehicle as belonging to a firefighter. Sirens are allowed, but same thing, you CANNOT use them to break traffic
All state laws are different, in Missoui we can run Red/Blue as long as there is more Blue then red. We can pretty much have them anywhere on vehicle or any type. All Depts are different with there SOG's some require the 360 degree stright blue and other allow for varations or color. Get the laws first then get it stright with your dept specifically on what they want. Good luck
"Because the law allows an emergency medical technician to use red flashing lights does not mean that an ambulance service has to allow it. Due to the fear of liability, or for other reasons, an ambulance service may prohibit some or all of its members from using red flashing lights."
From what i understand, you COULD, ONLY IF your department allowed it, which i don't think most departments would wanna add the risk of giving there EMT's the privilege of running lights and sirens.
In NY its not like you MUST have lights, half the time people don't care to yield because they know they don't have to. lights make a lot of people feel special. and they look cool. lol
Ok, for the 1000 th time...You have to be a member of a Department and have an Authorization card issued by your Chief...NY is very specific in the Vehicle and Traffic laws...EMS runs Green, Fire runs Blue (Volunteers) Funeral runs Purple (EMT's that don't now what they are doing)....Single light source, I suggest reading the regs...it can be very confusing....Good luck.....Paul