Get a flashing light permit for emergency and maintenance vehicles

Learn how to qualify for a flashing or siren light permit

Get a flashing light permit for emergency and maintenance vehicles

Learn how to qualify for a flashing or siren light permit

Overview of flashing light permits

What’s a flashing light permit?
Certain emergency or maintenance vehicles may be allowed to display lights other than most standard motor vehicle lights, known as flashing or siren lights (or safety lights/emergency lights). These lights and sirens alert other motorists of an emergency or maintenance situation.

The display of flashing lights on such emergency or maintenance vehicles requires a written permit from the DMV as described in CGS Section 14-96q.

 

How to get a flashing (or siren) light permit
Permits can only be processed by mail and cost $20 per permit, payable by check or money order made out to “DMV.” Please complete your permit application and mail it with payment to:

 

Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Attn: Specialized Registry Unit

Please call the DMV with any questions: 860-263-5700.

 

See below for the different categories of flashing and siren light permits and related applications, as well as frequently asked questions (FAQs).

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  • Emergency vehicles
  • Maintenance vehicles
  • Emergency personnel

Emergency vehicles

For flashing or siren lights for emergency vehicles, please complete the application for flashing light permit - emergency vehicles (Form E-215) and submit with a $20 fee per permit.


Below are the emergency vehicles as defined in state statute 14-283(a) that qualify for a flashing light permit:

  • An ambulance or vehicle operated by an emergency medical service organization responding to an emergency call
  • A fire truck or other vehicle used by a fire department or officer of one responding to a fire or emergency call (but not returning from one)
  • A state or local police car driven by a police officer or motor vehicle inspector, responding to an emergency call, or pursuing suspects
  • A Department of Correction (DOC) vehicle driven by a DOC officer in the course of the officer’s employment and responding to an emergency call

Maintenance vehicles

For flashing lights for maintenance vehicles, please complete the application for yellow/amber light - maintenance/escort vehicles permit (Form E-215ME) and submit with the $20 fee per permit.


Below are the maintenance vehicles that qualify for a flashing light permit, as well as who needs to authorize it:

  • Construction vehicles - local chief of police or resident state trooper
  • Escort vehicles (CT) - local chief of police or resident state trooper
  • Road service vehicles -local chief of police or resident state trooper
  • Snowplowing - local chief of police or resident state trooper
  • Utility/cable vehicles - local chief of police or resident state trooper

Emergency personnel

For flashing or siren lights for emergency personnel, please complete the Application for Flashing Light Permit – Emergency Vehicle  (Form E-215EV) and submit with payment of $20 per permit.


Below are the emergency personnel that qualify for a flashing light permit:

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of emergency medical service organization
  • Assistant/Deputy to CEO of emergency medical organization
  • Director of emergency management
  • Fire chief
  • Assistant fire chief
  • Deputy fire chief
  • Fire marshal
  • Fire police