Lights and sirens on volunteer firefighter vehicles
If you’re passionate about supporting your local community in emergencies but don’t plan to become a professional firefighter, volunteering as a firefighter can be a rewarding way to contribute. Volunteer firefighters play a critical role, often working alongside trained professionals to provide valuable assistance during crises.
But it’s important to understand the laws and regulations around vehicle lighting and sirens for volunteers. These rules differ significantly from those for professional firefighters, ensuring clarity and safety on the road.
So, can volunteer firefighters have lights and sirens on personal vehicles?
We’re here to shed light on this crucial question. At Australian Warning Systems, our team supplies and installs an extensive selection of LED lights and sirens for emergency vehicles.
If you’re a volunteer firefighter considering adding warning lights or sirens to your vehicle, here is a general guide on the legalities behind this equipment. Keep reading to discover which types of warning systems you can use as a volunteer firefighter on the road.
This article is intended as a general guide only for basic educational purposes and not intended as legal advice. If you are unsure of regulations, please seek personalised advice from a professional lawyer before proceeding with any lighting or siren installation.
Volunteer firefighters and fire trucks
Becoming a volunteer firefighter is an admirable way to support your community, but it’s important to understand the limits of the role—especially when it comes to operating a fire truck.
Driving a fire truck is a responsibility reserved for individuals with the appropriate training and experience.
Without these qualifications, operating such a vehicle is not only illegal but also highly dangerous due to the truck’s size and the critical equipment it carries.
For committed volunteer firefighters, equipping a personal vehicle with LED lights and sirens is one of the few ways to actively assist in emergencies.
However, before doing so, it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations governing this equipment to ensure safety and compliance.
Can volunteer firefighters have lights and sirens on personal vehicles?
In Australia, the use of lights and sirens on personal vehicles by volunteer firefighters is subject to strict regulations that vary by state and territory.
Generally, personal vehicles are not permitted to be equipped with red and blue flashing lights or sirens unless they have been granted specific approval and designated as emergency vehicles.
It’s important to note that unauthorised use of flashing lights and sirens can lead to legal penalties, including fines and restrictions.
That’s why volunteer firefighters should consult with their respective fire services and local transport authorities to understand the specific regulations and approval processes in their state or territory.
Additionally, even with approval, the use of such devices is typically restricted to situations where the vehicle is responding to an emergency, and drivers are expected to exercise caution and adhere to safety protocols.
In the meantime, here are some general guidelines for each state and territory at the time of writing:
NSW
In New South Wales, only specific vehicles, such as operational fire brigade vehicles and accredited NSW Rural Fire Service vehicles, are allowed to use blue, red, or green flashing lights and sirens, as outlined in the Vehicle Standards Information (VSI) No. 4.1. These lights are strictly for signalling emergency responses and must only be used during such events.
Volunteer firefighters driving personal vehicles are not automatically permitted to install or use these lights and sirens without approval from the State Rescue Board, NSW Police, and TfNSW.
Amber or yellow flashing lights, on the other hand, can be installed without needing approval from Transport for NSW (TfNSW). However, they don’t provide priority on the road or the ability to break any traffic rules under the NSW Road Rules 2014. These lights are intended to warn other drivers of hazards, such as a stationary vehicle causing an obstruction or a vehicle moving under hazardous conditions.
It’s important to note that amber or yellow lights must only flash when the situation is hazardous. They can remain fitted to the vehicle during regular use but must not be activated unless there’s a valid reason.
Queensland
The Transport Operations (Road Use Management–Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation 2010 restricts the use of flashing lights and sirens to designated emergency vehicles.
A private vehicle can only be classified as an emergency vehicle if it is operated by an officer of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service or another individual with written approval from the Commissioner.
As a result, volunteer firefighters using personal vehicles must obtain explicit authorisation to install or use red and blue lights or sirens. This regulation ensures that vehicles equipped with flashing lights and sirens are recognised by drivers as having a special status on the roads.
If a vehicle is deemed to be “fitted for use in hazardous situations on a road” (clause 99(6)), it may qualify as a “special use vehicle.” These vehicles may be equipped with one or more flashing amber lights (clause 99(1)).
Therefore, amber lights may be approved for special-use vehicles operating in hazardous situations, provided the necessary permissions are in place.
Victoria
Victoria’s Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021 state that red and blue flashing lights are reserved exclusively for authorised emergency vehicles.
Personal vehicles owned by volunteer firefighters are typically not allowed to carry this equipment unless formally classified as emergency vehicles.
Amber lights may be approved for use on vehicles operating in hazardous conditions, but prior authorisation is required.
South Australia
Under South Australia’s Road Traffic (Light Vehicle Standards) Rules 2018, red and blue flashing lights are restricted to vehicles officially classified as emergency vehicles.
Personal vehicles belonging to volunteer firefighters are not automatically included in this category and would need formal authorisation to install this equipment.
As in Victoria, amber lights may be permitted for vehicles working in hazardous conditions, but their use also requires prior approval.
Tasmania
According to the Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 2014, red and blue flashing lights are reserved exclusively for designated emergency vehicles in Tasmania.
Volunteer firefighters’ personal vehicles do not fall under this classification unless they obtain specific approval from the relevant authorities.
Amber lights may be authorised for vehicles involved in hazardous operations, but prior approval is required.
Northern Territory
Under the Northern Territory’s Traffic Regulations 1999, only officially recognised emergency vehicles are permitted to have red or blue flashing lights installed.
Personal vehicles belonging to volunteer firefighters do not automatically qualify as emergency vehicles and would require explicit authorisation to utilise this equipment.
Like in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, amber lights may be an option for vehicles involved in hazardous operations pending approval.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
As per the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000, the use of red or blue flashing lights is strictly limited to authorised emergency vehicles in the ACT.
Personal vehicles owned by volunteer firefighters cannot be fitted with these lights unless specific authorisation is granted.
As with the states above, amber lights may be utilised by vehicles engaged in hazardous activities, but this also requires prior approval.
WA
In Western Australia, volunteer firefighters who wish to equip their personal vehicles with flashing lights and sirens will need to secure the relevant approvals, which are rarely granted.
- Vehicles can be fitted with flashing warning lights (FWLs) if they meet one of the following conditions:
- The vehicle is authorised under the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 for fitting FWLs and the Road Traffic Code 2000 for using them on public roads.
- The Department of Transport (DoT) CEO has approved the fitment or use of FWLs.
Moreover, volunteer Fire and Emergency Service vehicles are allowed to operate as emergency vehicles on public roads if:
- The vehicle meets the definition of an “emergency vehicle” under the Road Traffic Code 2000, or
- The DoT CEO has granted emergency vehicle status (EVS).
Having EVS allows a vehicle to use flashing lights and sirens, along with exemptions from certain road rules during emergency responses.
That said, obtaining EVS isn’t straightforward. Applications undergo a rigorous review process, including consultation with the Emergency Vehicle Committee, and approval is never guaranteed.
Advantages of LED lights for volunteer firefighter vehicles
By now, you should have a solid understanding of the research and precautions necessary when installing lights or sirens on your personal vehicle as a volunteer firefighter.
With these guidelines in mind, let’s explore why LED lights are the top choice for this purpose. Here’s why LED lights are the superior option:
1. Strong durability
LED lights are built to last far longer than traditional lighting options while consuming less energy. This makes them ideal for emergency use, as they remain reliable even after sitting unused for extended periods between incidents.
2. Excellent energy efficiency
In addition to their longevity, LED lights consume significantly less electricity. This not only reduces energy costs but also prevents unnecessary drain on your vehicle’s battery if the lights are accidentally left on.
3. Unrivalled visibility
LED lights emit a bright, focused beam that ensures maximum visibility from a distance. Unlike other types of lights, they don’t require additional reflectors or diffusers to ensure they’re seen by other motorists when you’re rushing to an emergency.
4. Easy customisation
LED lights are highly customisable, allowing you to adjust colours and styles to suit your specific needs or preferences. This versatility makes them a practical and adaptable choice for various types of emergency vehicles.
5. Cost-effective illumination
LED lights combine affordability and performance. They’re reasonably priced, offer excellent functionality, and require minimal maintenance.
Plus, their low energy usage translates to savings on your electricity bill, making them a smart, budget-friendly investment.
For volunteer firefighters looking to enhance their response capabilities, LED lights provide a reliable, efficient, and affordable solution to keep both you and others safe during emergencies.
Shop lights and sirens for emergency vehicles
Adding courtesy lights to your vehicle can be a game-changer for safety when responding to emergencies—if done legally and with respect for professional first responders.
For volunteer firefighters, the road to equipping personal vehicles with lights and sirens isn’t always straightforward. Approvals are tightly regulated and rarely granted without meeting strict criteria. That’s why it’s essential to check with your local fire service and transport authorities to stay compliant and avoid any roadblocks.
At Australian Warning Systems, we’re here to light the way with a wide selection of lighting and siren equipment for emergency vehicles. For expert support with selections, call us on 03 9796 5880 or email [email protected].