Volunteer Citizen using an Amber Light Bar

[GK]

From time to time I enjoy pulling over and assisting citizens with disables vehicles. I.E. dead batteries, low on gas, etc. I recently ordered a light bar which only emits amber and clear lights. I should have checked my vehicle codes first before ordering, but it's too late for that.

My question to any officer out there:
If I pull over to assist a vehicle that has broken down, is it ok to light up the light bar? Remember, I would only use it if the car is stopped on the side. I never plan on using the light bar while in motion.

I found this information about California's vehicle codes, but it's not clear enough for me to understand: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/w...action=retrieve

I also plan on becoming a volunteer fireman within the next few months, so the light bar will probably play a good roll when called to duty.

Does anybody know if it's illegal to have an amber light bar mounted on a vehicle (Dodge Caravan) and/or lit up while pulled over to assist people?

I just really enjoy helping stranded motorists, so that's where this all came from.

I'd appreciate any information you guys can provide me!

Regards,
George

P.S. It will come with only clear and amber lenses. I think it may also include red lenses, but they only face the rear. This is the setup I purchased: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MEAWN%3AIT&rd=1

This is what I found on the CHP's website:
27606. (a) No person shall own or operate a motor vehicle which is equipped with a light bar, or facsimile thereof, to resemble a motor vehicle used by a peace officer or traffic officer while on duty within that jurisdiction for the primary purpose of enforcing
Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000) or Division 11
(commencing with Section 21000) pursuant to Section 40800.
(b) For purposes of this section the following definitions apply:

(1) A "light bar" means any light or device affixed to or mounted
upon the roof of a vehicle and extending the width of the roof, or a substantial portion thereof, which emits amber, red, or blue, or any combination of those lights.
(2) A "facsimile of a light bar" is any device designed or
contrived to resemble a light bar regardless of the degree of light
emission or lack thereof.

I'm not sure what Section 20000 or 21000 are, but I don't if me helping people is actually commencing that code.

Any ideas?

[FivePointSlow]

Originally posted by GK

27606. (a) No person shall own or operate a motor vehicle which is equipped with a light bar,


Sounds pretty straightforward to me... And while you may not be trying to impersonate an officer, I can see that drawing some attention your way that you don't want.

BTW, use caution when helping stranded strangers. That is a pretty common robbery setup. I'm not saying you should never stop, just use caution...

[TC]

(1) A "light bar" means any light or device affixed to or mounted
upon the roof of a vehicle and extending the width of the roof, or a substantial portion thereof, which emits amber, red, or blue, or any combination of those lights.


I'm a little perplexed as to why amber is on there. The only thing I can think of is the supplemental directional arrow light bars that are on some squads.

However, there is hope for you, Georgie. Note that they don't mention white lights. ;)

[GK]

Originally posted by TC
(1) A "light bar" means any light or device affixed to or mounted
upon the roof of a vehicle and extending the width of the roof, or a substantial portion thereof, which emits amber, red, or blue, or any combination of those lights.


I'm a little perplexed as to why amber is on there. The only thing I can think of is the supplemental directional arrow light bars that are on some squads.

However, there is hope for you, Georgie. Note that they don't mention white lights. ;) Yeah the amber thing kind of tripped off. I'm trying to contact the state of California to also become a Community Service Officer.

I love helping people. :)

[MrDude_1]

Originally posted by GK
27606. (a) No person shall own or operate a motor vehicle which is equipped with a light bar, or facsimile thereof, to resemble a motor vehicle used by a peace officer or traffic officer



inotherwords, even if it doesnt emit light, dont buy a crown vic and put a lightbar looking thing on it.

the idea here is to make it illegal to pretend to be a cop.



a dodge caravan with a amber light bar isnt going to make people think your a cop, so you're legal... just dont be in motion with it on.






lighting laws change drasticly from state to state... for example, in SC, ONLY cops have blue lights. and no other color (besides amber)
so if its blue, its a cop...


meanwhile in texas, anyone can have blue... i see wreckers with blue and red lights all the time.... and the cop cars also have red on them...
check local laws and such of course, but you should be in the clear... amber is "civilan" and nutural for the most part.




as for becoming a volunteer fireman, great! gofor it!
but a word of warning.. its 90% thankless hard work. you do spend more time folding hoses and other boring stuff then you do with the actual rescue/responce... but atleast when you go home, you know you did somthing good.. even though things wont always end as you would like, (people die, houses burn) just try your best and it wont feel as bad...

[GK]

Originally posted by MrDude_1
as for becoming a volunteer fireman, great! gofor it!
but a word of warning.. its 90% thankless hard work. you do spend more time folding hoses and other boring stuff then you do with the actual rescue/responce... but atleast when you go home, you know you did somthing good.. even though things wont always end as you would like, (people die, houses burn) just try your best and it wont feel as bad... I figure it may bay thankless at times, but just like you said that "good feeling" is awesome.

BTW, I sent an e-mail to the CHP and got a reponse from "The Office of Public Affairs."

California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 25250 provides, "Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as otherwise permitted." CVC sections 25251 through 25282 identify vehicles that are exempt from this law. Listed vehicles include authorized emergency vehicles, security vehicles, tow trucks, public utility/maintenance vehicles and school buses.

Office of Public Affairs


So I dunno. :shrug: Lot's of conflicting information....

[scuba91ta]

why go with a light bar and not two rotators or just one? I know the light bar is much nicer, but rotators would be a much easier and simpler, and cheaper solution.


Steve

[GK]

Originally posted by scuba91ta
why go with a light bar and not two rotators or just one? I know the light bar is much nicer, but rotators would be a much easier and simpler, and cheaper solution.


Steve Because it's not as fun. Plus with the eBay setup I bought, it came with two pairs of LED wig-wags. Two up front on the grill and two for the rear. I'll take pictures and video when everything is done of course.

I sent an e-mail to the state of California about becoming a Community Service Officer, so that should be cool. :)

[pyro9862]

If your a voulenteer firefighter in NY, i believe you can use blue lights.