Caution lights on trucks law

[TacticalDoc]

Caution lights on military or civilian trucks legality

Are we allowed to have caution lights on our military vehicles?
What about our civilian trucks?

I sometimes tow another 5 ton and I was wondering if I can put yellow lights on the tow truck (5ton) and lights on a civilian lead truck.

FL State law

316.2397 Certain lights prohibited; exceptions.—
(3) ......Wreckers, mosquito control fog and spray vehicles, and emergency vehicles of governmental departments or public service corporations may show or display amber lights when in actual operation or when a hazard exists provided they are not used going to and from the scene of operation or hazard without specific authorization of a law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency. Wreckers must use amber rotating or flashing lights while performing recoveries and loading on the roadside day or night, and may use such lights while towing a vehicle on wheel lifts, slings, or under reach if the operator of the wrecker deems such lights necessary. A flatbed, car carrier, or rollback may not use amber rotating or flashing lights when hauling a vehicle on the bed unless it creates a hazard to other motorists because of protruding objects. Further, escort vehicles may show or display amber lights when in the actual process of escorting overdimensioned equipment, material, or buildings as authorized by law. Vehicles owned or leased by private security agencies may show or display green and amber lights, with either color being no greater than 50 percent of the lights displayed, while the security personnel are engaged in security duties on private or public property.
(4) Road or street maintenance equipment, road or street maintenance vehicles, road service vehicles, refuse collection vehicles, petroleum tankers, and mail carrier vehicles may show or display amber lights when in operation or a hazard exists.
(5) Road maintenance and construction equipment and vehicles may display flashing white lights or flashing white strobe lights when in operation and where a hazard exists. Additionally, school buses and vehicles that are used to transport farm workers may display flashing white strobe lights.
(6) All lighting equipment heretofore referred to shall meet all requirements as set forth in s. 316.241.

(7) Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles excepta) As a means of indicating a right or left turn, to change lanes, or to indicate that the vehicle is lawfully stopped or disabled upon the highway;

 

[Recovry4x4]

Yes, you can have them. You are limited on use though. They could be construed as "road service vehicles" if in fact used for roadside repairs or recovery. They don't meet the threshhold for use while in transit. Hope this helps.

 

[TacticalDoc]

Yes, you can have them. You are limited on use though. They could be construed as "road service vehicles" if in fact used for roadside repairs or recovery. They don't meet the threshhold for use while in transit. Hope this helps.

Thanks. That's what I was thinking but, I wasn't sure. I have them on my pick up truck too. I turn them on when I convoy with military vehicles. I just wanted to make sure that I don't need a license or need some type of permission. I only use them when I convoy.

 

[73m819]

Thanks. That's what I was thinking but, I wasn't sure. I have them on my pick up truck too. I turn them on when I convoy with military vehicles. I just wanted to make sure that I don't need a license or need some type of permission. I only use them when I convoy.

Quote Originally Posted by Recovry4x4 View Post

"Yes, you can have them. You are limited on use though. They could be construed as "road service vehicles" if in fact used for roadside repairs or recovery. They don't meet the threshhold for use while in transit. Hope this helps."

I think he means like a wrecker or another mv recovering a truck off the side of the road or the towing vehicle flat towing another vehicle, convoys would be in transit, I could be wrong but that is how I read what MR. 4x4 posted

 

[zebedee]

Thanks. That's what I was thinking but, I wasn't sure. I have them on my pick up truck too. I turn them on when I convoy with military vehicles. I just wanted to make sure that I don't need a license or need some type of permission. I only use them when I convoy.

Hate to correct you, but I think you will find that all states mandate that "flashing" lights are not legal on 'moving' vehicles unless; they are a moving hazard, ie., they are oversize, slow or responding to an incedent and going faster than the speed limit. So just because you are in a convoy does not constitute sufficient reasoning... unless you are going slow - NB., civilian convoys aren't legal either.

All tow truck tests - endorcements on driving licences, make a point of noting that after merging back into traffic, "hazard" lights must be turned off unless towing an oversize or hazardous 'casualty'.

Hope this helps.

 

[TacticalDoc]

double tap

 

[TacticalDoc]

Hate to correct you, but I think you will find that all states mandate that "flashing" lights are not legal on 'moving' vehicles unless; they are a moving hazard, ie., they are oversize, slow or responding to an incedent and going faster than the speed limit. So just because you are in a convoy does not constitute sufficient reasoning... unless you are going slow - NB., civilian convoys aren't legal either.

All tow truck tests - endorcements on driving licences, make a point of noting that after merging back into traffic, "hazard" lights must be turned off unless towing an oversize or hazardous 'casualty'.

Hope this helps.

A flatbed, car carrier, or rollback may not use amber rotating or flashing lights when hauling a vehicle on the bed unless it creates a hazard to other motorists because of protruding objects. Further, escort vehicles may show or display amber lights when in the actual process of escorting overdimensioned equipment, material, or buildings as authorized by law.

Military vehicles don't travel fast, are large and have large turn radius. I have seen many wide loads with lights on while in transit. So, I believe you can use them while moving heavy and large vehicles or in convoy

I'm just trying to get this correct. But that's the way I read it.

 

[73m819]

A flatbed, car carrier, or rollback may not use amber rotating or flashing lights when hauling a vehicle on the bed unless it creates a hazard to other motorists because of protruding objects. Further, escort vehicles may show or display amber lights when in the actual process of escorting overdimensioned equipment, material, or buildings as authorized by law.

Military vehicles don't travel fast, are large and have large turn radius. I have seen many wide loads with lights on while in transit. So, I believe you can use them while moving heavy and large vehicles.

Military vehicles are no bigger then other OTR big trucks, Military vehicles ARE NOT wide loads, Military vehicles do not turns any wider (if you know how to drive them) then other big OTR trucks.

 

[TacticalDoc]

Military vehicles are no bigger then other OTR big trucks, Military vehicles ARE NOT wide loads, Military vehicles do not turns any wider (if you know how to drive them) then other big OTR trucks.

So, you can have yellow lights on military vehicles and civilian trucks but you cant use them unless stopped. So, on convoy at slow speeds (45 MPH) on a 70 MPH highway you can not use caution lights?

 

[zebedee]

I concur with escort vehicles since they are part of the permit for being oversize/slow... HOWEVER - they themselves are regulated AND the drivers are certified Escort people or some such title...

There is also "reasonable" and reasonably justifiable which DoT/LEO's will hit you with...
So, be safe, be relevant and don't "play soldier" just because it 'looks good'. They have their own rules and laws.

Remember - if something "looks" wrong - you will get pulled over for a look-see, if you are wrong but look ok, you might slip under the radar.

All of our actions on the highways could affect our future, so we must consider the consequenses of such actions in persuing our hobby. If it's your profession - should know better and you'd better be doing it right!

 

[zebedee]

So, on convoy at slow speeds (45 MPH) on a 70 MPH highway you can not use caution lights?

It depends whether there is a "minimum speed limit"... If under that then yes. Most states I know impose "use four ways under 40mph" on hills etc. Which you see all the time on interstates.
Same for Amish buggys and farm equipment on the local roads!

Remember too that most 'local' cops and Sheriffs, even lesser experiensed Troopers may not know these laws BUT, if you expose other road users to a hazard and you weren't taking reasonable steps to make others aware then guess which way the judge will rule.


ANOTHER POINT...... Camo vehicles traveling at dawn/dusk on dark tree covered backroads.... Probably ought to have headlights on. Flashing lights may be OTT.

 

[TacticalDoc]

Got it and thanks. I guess I'll only use them when stopped and I see a significant hazard. And from what I gather there is no law that states you cant have them on you're vehicle. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[zout]

Here is one for you to look at: http://dps.georgia.gov/amber-light-permit

With our shop service mobile truck it is required to have this decal - cost is $2 per year.

 

[Scarecrow1]

The sole purpose of the lights is to warn traffic of a danger as everyone knows. I would find it hard to believe that Leo would give you a ticket for using it to alert people to a slow moving convoy of several trucks on the Interstate so long it is a tailing vehicle . But that's a personal thought , ask the Leo in your area to be sure....

 

[TacticalDoc]

The sole purpose of the lights is to warn traffic of a danger as everyone knows. I would find it hard to believe that Leo would give you a ticket for using it to alert people to a slow moving convoy of several trucks on the Interstate so long it is a tailing vehicle . But that's a personal thought , ask the Leo in your area to be sure....

I don't think so either but I don't want to get in trouble and don't want the MV hobby to get a bad reputation. I have caution lights for my truck but I haven't used them. There are a few rides going on these next month and we may do a convoy. So, I looked up the law and am asking for some clarification. Thanks for constructive input. It helps to ask others with MV what they do and why instead of just doing something wrong. Sorry if I offended anyone.

 

[steelandcanvas]

Here is one for you to look at: http://dps.georgia.gov/amber-light-permit

With our shop service mobile truck it is required to have this decal - cost is $2 per year.

Someone really had a lot of time on their hands to create that requirement and associated paperwork. I guess that means if you don't pay your $2.00 and display your sticker in the right bottom corner of your windshield, you can't turn on your yellow caution lights. Government at it's finest.

 

[RAYZER]

Kenny:
I think this is relevant to the question.
When traveling down a road (in my case, pulling the "Taj"); with a posted speed limit of 70 mph, and traveling at only 50 mph, which is slower than posted minimum speed limit; is this considered a major nono with Leo's? If so, what kind of time we lookin at?

 

[poppop]

I just purchased a cotton module moving truck. It is overweight when loaded and some trucks are over width. All cotton module trucks are required by law to have amber strobes flashing at all times front and rear. I have to have the $2.00 permit and display the sticker in the windshield. Cotton module trucks are also prohibited from using the interstates.

 

[goodguyzy]

I was told by a OTR driver he got a ticket in Nevada for not having a permit for his flashing lights.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Just to be clear, TacticalDoc posted about FL law and I know he's in FL. FL law is very specific on this. Example, if you sling a load with a wrecker, you are permitted to run the flashing warning lights. If you put same vehicle on a roll back then you must turn off the lights once you reach speed and continue in transit. The law even covers the clowns that turn on the flashers when it rains. While on paper it's a novel idea, in the field it's completely different. They are very distacting and compromise depth perception.
Ray, as long as you aren't running flashing lights, you are OK. Some of the glow in the dark stickers are fine as well although they are required to say DOT on them if on a vehicle used in commerce. Also, minimum speed on limited access facilities is 40 MPH in a 65 and 50 MPH in a 70 MPH zone. I don't know if this will be raised of they are able to raise the speed to 75 as they are trying. As said, I doubt any LEOs would give you a hard time for running the lights until you get up to speed, they likely would if you didn't turn them off. Try following one of these clowns running rear strobes, it's distracting as heck.