This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to specify the types of warning lights that volunteer first responders are permitted to use in their personal vehicles while responding to emergencies. It allows active members of volunteer fire departments, emergency medical first responders, and ambulance crew members to equip their vehicles with lamps that emit a flashing or steady-burning red and white combination warning light, as approved by the commissioner of public safety. The bill also establishes that these lights can only be activated when the responders are en route to an emergency call, and it mandates that the commissioner be notified if a responder's membership or operational status changes.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing regulations regarding flashing lights on vehicles. It explicitly permits flashing lights on vehicles operated by volunteer emergency responders and volunteer ambulance drivers, thereby expanding the circumstances under which such lights can be used. The bill retains the requirement that all flashing warning lights must conform to standards set forth in existing law, ensuring safety and compliance with traffic regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 169.58, 169.64