Winter is upon us, and snow and ice professionals should have their equipment properly outfitted with legal lights. Use of strobe lighting on snowplow vehicles is governed by state and/or local municipality ordinance.
Here are some tips to take to make sure your equipment is in compliance:
- Private snow vehicles are usually prohibited from utilizing strobe or flashing lights while traveling on the roadway - unless operating on behalf of a municipality. If you don’t know the law, check with your local police department on what type of lights and use are allowed.
- Know your colors. Some laws not only regulate the use of the lighting but also the color of lights that can be used on private snow vehicles.
- Know what lights are required to ensure your plow vehicle is in compliance, including backup lights, license plate illumination, plow lights, etc.
- Add proper light use into your safety team’s toolbox talk and/or operator’s manual.
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