Section 32-17-42 - Blue lights or strobe lights on firemen's vehicles--Authorization forinstallation--Restrictions on use--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-17-42. Blue lights or strobe lights on firemen's vehicles--Authorization for installation--Restrictions on use--Violation as misdemeanor. Any motor vehicle operated by a member of an organized fire department or organized search and rescue unit may be equipped with flashing blue lights displayed to the front or a blue rotating beacon light or strobe light or both to be visible 360 degrees. This provision does not relieve the driver of such a vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street nor does it protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequence of a reckless disregard of the safety of others.
No person may use a light described in this section except a fireman or search and rescue unit member while actually en route to the scene of a fire or other emergency requiring his services as a fireman or search and rescue unit member, who has been authorized in writing to so use a blue light. Such authorization shall be given by the chief of the fire department or coordinator of the search and rescue unit only to members of the department who are in good standing.
A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: SL 1968, ch 179; SL 1974, ch 219, § 22; SL 1978, ch 158, § 37; SL 1986, ch 258; SL 1993, ch 234, § 1.