Quick guide to identifying official vehicle lights

The sight of flashing lights is an immediate indicator that a noteworthy action is taking place. However, each coloured light indicates and incident or official of varying degrees of importance.

Roodepoort Police spokesperson, Captain Juanita Yorke, explained the differences between each unique set of lights.

“Firstly, please note that the legal framework regarding identification lights and sirens is applicable to the vehicle and not to the person operating the vehicle. For instance, should a designated official be using a different vehicle, they may not place the identification lights on said vehicle,” she stated.

Blue

A blue light may only be fitted on vehicles operated by:

• Members of the South African Police Service and Municipal Police Services
• Traffic officers
• Members of the SANDF Military Police

Red, green and white

The following identification lights may be fitted on the following vehicles:

• Red lights are for ambulances, firefighting or rescue vehicles
• Green lights belong to disaster management vehicles
• White lights relate to vehicles owned by a registered security service provider and are driven by a security officer

Amber and orange

Amber lights correspond to emergency vehicles employed and operated:

• In connection with the maintenance of public roads
• In the distribution and supply of electricity
• In the supply of essential public services
• In terms of the authority granted by the MEC in terms of section 81 of the National Traffic Act
• By breakdown vehicles
• By refuse-compactor vehicles
• By vehicles carrying an abnormal load as well as the vehicles escorting them