Tow Truck Warning Light Regulations
The most commonly-used color on tow trucks and wreckers is amber. Some states permit additional colors, such as white LED warning lights, or in rarer cases, red or blue lights. Tow trucks may be equipped with flashing red and blue lights, used only when stopped at an incident. Under statute 304.022. 4 (4), a tow truck can use a red and flashing blue light if owned and operated by a public utility or public service corporation and if providing an emergency service. This statute requires any tow truck using emergency lights to also have a siren. State and local agencies regulate warning light colors for tow trucks.
Variations in Tow Truck Lighting
One of the most regulated parts of a tow truck is the lights. Many states require a certain color for the lights on tow trucks – more often than not, the color is amber, but some states require yellow or even red. The light needs to be bright enough to be noticed but not so bright that it blinds or distracts other drivers. The flash pattern of the lights may also be regulated.
Tow Truck Usage and Safety
Tow operators provide essential services when motorists breakdown and need a jump start, tire change, fuel, or a tow. Each year millions of Americans need fast and reliable towing and roadside assistance. Tow trucks move cars that are disabled, improperly parked, indisposed and impounded. Their uses span transport of cars, equipment, property, and goods.
The Function of Tow Trucks
The primary function of a tow truck is to move vehicles causing obstruction or hazard. Tow trucks commonly respond to breakdowns, accidents, parking enforcement, vehicle repossession, and transport to/from storage or repair shops. A flatbed tow truck carries vehicles while a wheel lift tow truck drags vehicles.
Tow Truck Light Colors
What color lights do tow trucks use? The stock lighting on a tow truck is usually white, but some states allow the use of different colors. Red lights are required for side markers and rear facing lights, and blue lights are allowed in some states.
Reasons for Flashing Lights on Tow Trucks
Why do tow trucks have red and blue lights? Tow trucks can use blue and red flashing lights, but these must be rear-facing. Only police cars are permitted to have forward-facing blue lights. Using blue lights will not only make drivers more aware of tow trucks but will also encourage drivers to move over.
Tow Truck Safety and Visibility
Safety concerns play an integral role in why tow trucks need to use flashing lights while towing vehicles. The bright and visible nature of these warning signals alerts motorists to be cautious around the truck and any disabled vehicle it is towing.
Tow Truck Lighting Efficiency
They offer optimal visibility and efficiency, and LED lights are also made to last up to 50,000 hours – you can use LED tow truck lights all day, every single day, and they will continue to function for a number of years.
Construction Vehicles and Flashing Lights
Construction vehicles are similar to tow trucks in that they use flashing lights to warn drivers, keep workers safe, and light up the area. Most commonly, flashing lights will be used when construction is happening on a public road or a public space.
Tow Truck Lighting Regulations
These regulations vary depending on the state or municipality, but generally require a combination of yellow and red flashing lights. Safety concerns play an integral role in why tow trucks need to use flashing lights while towing vehicles. The bright and visible nature of these warning signals alerts motorists to be cautious around the truck and any disabled vehicle it is towing. This is especially important during nighttime hours or inclement weather conditions where visibility can become limited.
Directions and Emergency Response Lighting
In some cases, tow trucks also use emergency vehicle lighting to provide directional guidance. For example, if a driver is lost and needs help finding their way, the tow truck can turn on its lights to show them the way.
Regulations Regarding Truck Lighting
You cannot add red, blue, green or white flashing lights to your truck under any circumstances unless yours is an emergency response vehicle or you’re a local volunteer who has received written consent from the local authorities.