Can Passenger Vehicles in New York Have Flashing Lights?

It's a nearly universal feeling for any driver to get a little nervous when they see a police car. Even if there aren't any laws being broken, no one can be blamed for suddenly putting their hands at ten and two and going the exact speed limit.

Another universal feeling is the frustration when something that looks like an official police vehicle turns out to be nothing more that a "regular" car or truck. While the mistake is often an honest one, it's not always the case.

When Civilian Cars Look Like Police Vehicles

There are a few reasons why someone might mistake a civilian vehicle for a police car. The Ford Interceptor, for example, is exclusively made for police departments but is so closely modeled on current Ford Explorers that the differences are minimal.

Read More: What Blue or Green Emergency Lights Mean in New York

Buying Police Vehicles at Auction

Other times, former police vehicles are sold at auction, often with official police gear like floodlights or push bumpers still attached. A third options, however, is slightly more nefarious.

What Police Accessories Are Illegal on Civilian Vehicles?

Recently, a driver in Pennsylvania was pulled over for having accessories that should have only been on an official police vehicle (above). In New York, there are similar laws, especially when it comes to which lights are legal.

Using Flashing Lights on Passenger Vehicles

As the police department shared, while some civilian vehicles might have flashing blue, white, or amber lights for varying reasons, only official police vehicles have flashing red lights. But what about New York?

What New York Law Says about Using Flashing Lights on Vehicles

Similar to Pennsylvania, New York law has specific wording regarding the color of lights legally allowed on vehicles:

No light, other than a white light, and no revolving, rotating, flashing, oscillating or constantly moving white light shall be affixed to, or displayed on any vehicle except... one or more red or combination red and white lights affixed to an authorized emergency vehicle when such vehicle is engaged in an emergency operation

Who Can Put Flashing Lights on Their Vehicles?

Put plainly, only first responders can use flashing lights on their vehicles, and only official police officers, firetrucks, or ambulances are allowed to use flashing red lights. So what if you encounter an unmarked car with flashing red lights?

Civilians Posing As Police Officers in New York

While rare, there are instances of civilians posing as police officers who attempt to pull over vehicles. Drivers are encouraged to wait until they are in a well-lit and populated area like a gas station or even a police station before pulling over for an unmarked vehicle.

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Colored Lights Used by First Responders in New York

Volunteer first responders often use flashing blue lights (fire) or green lights (ambulance service) when responding to a call, and both public and private snow plows use flashing amber lights. While it is not required by law to pull over for these vehicles, it is encouraged to do so when safe.