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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>61251</law_id><section_number>46.2-1025</section_number><catch_line>Flashing amber, purple, or green warning lights</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>46.2-1102</reference><reference>46.2-111</reference><reference>46.2-828.1</reference><reference>46.2-838</reference><reference>46.2-861.1</reference><reference>46.2-920.1:1</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="46.2">Motor Vehicles</unit><unit label="subtitle" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="III">Operation</unit><unit label="chapter" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="10">Motor Vehicle and Equipment Safety</unit><unit label="article" level="4" order_by="1" identifier="3">Lights and Turn Signals</unit></structure><text>
						<section id="A"><p><span class="prefix-number">A.</span> The following <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span> may be equipped with flashing, blinking, or alternating amber warning <span class="dictionary">lights</span> of types approved by the <span class="dictionary">Superintendent</span>: <a id="paragraph-223819" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used for the principal purpose of towing or servicing disabled <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span>; <a id="paragraph-223820" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used in constructing, maintaining, and repairing <span class="dictionary"><span class="dictionary">highways</span></span> or utilities on or along public <span class="dictionary"><span class="dictionary">highways</span></span>, or in assisting with the management of roadside and traffic incidents, or performing traffic management services along public <span class="dictionary"><span class="dictionary">highways</span></span>; <a id="paragraph-223821" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used for the principal purpose of removing hazardous or polluting substances from state waters and drainage areas on or along public <span class="dictionary"><span class="dictionary">highways</span></span>, or state <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span> used to perform other state-required environmental activities, provided that the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are not lit while the <span class="dictionary">vehicle</span> is in <span class="dictionary">motion</span>; <a id="paragraph-223822" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A4" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used for servicing automatic teller machines, provided the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are not lit while the <span class="dictionary">vehicle</span> is in <span class="dictionary">motion</span>; <a id="paragraph-223823" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A5" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used in refuse collection, provided the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are lit only when the <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span> are engaged in refuse collection operations; <a id="paragraph-223824" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A6" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used by individuals for emergency snow-removal purposes; <a id="paragraph-223825" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A7" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> Hi-rail <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span>, provided the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are lit only when the <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span> are operated on railroad rails; <a id="paragraph-223826" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A8" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">8.</span> Fire apparatus and emergency medical services <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span>, provided the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are used in addition to <span class="dictionary">lights</span> permitted under &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Flashing red or red and white warning lights" href="/46.2-1023/">46.2-1023</a> and are so mounted or installed as to be visible from behind the <span class="dictionary">vehicle</span>; <a id="paragraph-223827" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A8"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A9" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">9.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> owned and used by businesses providing security services, provided the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are not lit while the <span class="dictionary">vehicle</span> is being operated on a public <span class="dictionary">highway</span>; <a id="paragraph-223828" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A9"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A10" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">10.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used to collect and deliver the United States mail, provided the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are lit only when the <span class="dictionary">vehicle</span> is actually engaged in such collection or delivery; <a id="paragraph-223829" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A10"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A11" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">11.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used to collect and deliver packages weighing less than 150 pounds by a national package delivery company that delivers such packages in all 50 states, provided that the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are lit only when the <span class="dictionary">vehicle</span> is stopped and its <span class="dictionary">operator</span> is engaged in such collection and delivery; <a id="paragraph-223830" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A11"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A12" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">12.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used to transport petroleum or propane products, provided the amber <span class="dictionary">light</span> is mounted on the rear of the <span class="dictionary">vehicle</span> and is lit when parked while making a delivery of petroleum or propane products, or when the <span class="dictionary">vehicle</span>&#x2019;s back-up <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are lit and its device producing an audible signal when the <span class="dictionary">vehicle</span> is operated in <span class="dictionary">reverse</span> gear, as provided for in &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Inspection of certain refuse collection and highway maintenance vehicles" href="/46.2-1175.1/">46.2-1175.1</a>, is in operation; <a id="paragraph-223831" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A12"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A13" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">13.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used by <span class="dictionary">law</span>-enforcement agency personnel in the enforcement of <span class="dictionary">laws</span> governing <span class="dictionary">motor vehicle</span> parking; <a id="paragraph-223832" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A13"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A14" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">14.</span> Government-owned <span class="dictionary">law</span>-enforcement <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span>, provided the <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are used for the purpose of giving directional warning to vehicular traffic to move one direction or another and are not lit while the vehicle is in <span class="dictionary">motion</span>; <a id="paragraph-223833" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A14"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A15" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">15.</span> Chase <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span> when used to unload a hot air balloon or used to load a hot air balloon after landing, provided the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are not lit while the vehicle is in <span class="dictionary">motion</span>; <a id="paragraph-223834" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A15"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A16" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">16.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used for farm, agricultural, or horticultural purposes, or any <span class="dictionary">farm tractor</span>; <a id="paragraph-223835" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A16"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A17" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">17.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> owned and used by construction companies operating under Virginia contractors licenses; <a id="paragraph-223836" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A17"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A18" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">18.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used to lead or provide escorts for <span class="dictionary">bicycle</span> races authorized by the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> of Transportation or the locality in which the race is being conducted; <a id="paragraph-223837" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A18"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A19" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">19.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used by radio or television stations for remote broadcasts, provided that the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are not lit while the vehicle is in <span class="dictionary">motion</span>; <a id="paragraph-223838" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A19"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A20" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">20.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used by <span class="dictionary">municipal safety officers</span> in the performance of their official duties. For the purpose of this subdivision, &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">municipal safety officers</span>&#x201D; means municipal employees responsible for managing municipal safety programs and ensuring municipal compliance with safety and environmental regulatory <span class="dictionary">mandates</span>; <a id="paragraph-223839" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A20"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A21" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">21.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used as pace cars, security <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span>, or firefighting <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span> by any speedway or <span class="dictionary">motor vehicle</span> race track, provided that the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are not lit while the vehicle is being operated on a public <span class="dictionary">highway</span>; <a id="paragraph-223840" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A21"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A22" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">22.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used in patrol work by members of neighborhood watch groups approved by the chief <span class="dictionary"><span class="dictionary">law</span>-enforcement officer</span> of the locality in their assigned neighborhood watch program area, provided that the <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span> are clearly identified as neighborhood watch <span class="dictionary">vehicles</span>, and the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are not lit while the vehicle is in <span class="dictionary">motion</span>; <a id="paragraph-223841" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A22"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A23" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">23.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> that are not <span class="dictionary">tow trucks</span> as defined in &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Definitions" href="/46.2-100/">46.2-100</a>, but are owned or controlled by a towing and recovery business, provided that the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are lit only when the vehicle is being used at a towing and recovery site; <a id="paragraph-223842" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A23"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A24" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">24.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used or operated by federally licensed amateur radio <span class="dictionary">operators</span> (i) while participating in emergency communications or drills on behalf of federal, state, or local authorities or (ii) while providing communications services to localities for public service events authorized by the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> of Transportation where the event is being conducted; <a id="paragraph-223843" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A24"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A25" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">25.</span> Publicly owned or operated transit buses; <a id="paragraph-223844" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A25"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A26" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">26.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used for hauling trees, logs, or any other forest products when hauling such products, provided that the amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> are mounted or installed so as to be visible from behind the vehicle; <a id="paragraph-223845" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A26"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A27" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">27.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> authorized to use amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Flashing amber warning lights on certain fox hunting vehicles" href="/46.2-1025.1/">46.2-1025.1</a>; and <a id="paragraph-223846" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A27"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A28" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">28.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used by a local <span class="dictionary">department</span> of social services to respond to a request for assistance from <span class="dictionary">law</span>-enforcement agency personnel. <a id="paragraph-223847" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#A28"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B"><p><span class="prefix-number">B.</span> Except as otherwise provided in this section, such amber <span class="dictionary">lights</span> shall be lit only when performing the functions which qualify them to be equipped with such <span class="dictionary">lights</span>. <a id="paragraph-223848" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#B"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C"><p><span class="prefix-number">C.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used to lead or provide escorts for funeral processions may use either amber warning <span class="dictionary">lights</span> or purple warning <span class="dictionary">lights</span>, but amber warning <span class="dictionary">lights</span> and purple warning <span class="dictionary">lights</span> shall not simultaneously be used on the same vehicle. The <span class="dictionary">Superintendent</span> of State Police shall develop standards and specifications for purple <span class="dictionary">lights</span> authorized in this subsection. <a id="paragraph-223849" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#C"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D"><p><span class="prefix-number">D.</span> <span class="dictionary">Vehicles</span> used by police, firefighting, or emergency medical services personnel as command centers at the scene of incidents may be equipped with and use green warning <span class="dictionary">lights</span> of a type approved by the <span class="dictionary">Superintendent</span>. Such <span class="dictionary">lights</span> shall not be activated while the vehicle is operating upon the <span class="dictionary">highway</span>. <a id="paragraph-223850" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/46.2-1025/#D"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>Code 1950, &#xA7; 46-273; 1954, c. 310; 1958, c. 541, &#xA7; 46.1-267; 1960, cc. 156, 391; 1962, c. 512; 1966, cc. 655, 664; 1968, c. 89; 1972, c. 7; 1974, c. 537; 1976, c. 6; 1977, c. 72; 1978, cc. 311, 357; 1980, c. 337; 1981, c. 338; 1984, cc. 440, 539; 1985, cc. 248, 269, 287, 462; 1986, cc. 124, 127, 229; 1987, cc. 347, 370; 1988, cc. 339, 351; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 465; 1992, cc. 93, 410, 805; 1995, c. 727; 1997, c. 149; 1998, cc. 134, 417; 1999, cc. 18, 72, 232; 2000, cc. 84, 121, 278; 2003, c. 93; 2005, c. 574; 2010, c. 127; 2011, c. 268; 2014, c. 54; 2015, cc. 41, 502, 503; 2016, cc. 198, 226; 2017, cc. 326, 333; 2019, cc. 112, 145; 2023, c. 613; 2024, c. 95; 2025, c. 82.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
