In a Vehicle With Flashing or Rotating Lights
Emergency vehicles use flashing or rotating lights. Other vehicles require authorization by the SAAQ to use such equipment.
| Type of light | Vehicles recognized by the Highway Safety Code (the Code) or automatically authorized by the SAAQ | Vehicles requiring authorization by the SAAQ | Section of the Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing or rotating red or white lights | Police vehicles Ambulances Fire department vehicles | Vehicles used to transport emergency medical personnel or emergency medical equipment to a site where an individual requires immediate care Vehicles used to maintain peace, order and public security, prevent crime, enforce the laws of Québec and Canada, or search for perpetrators Vehicles used to provide emergency vehicle driving courses, provided the vehicle is owned by the Gouvernement du Québec, the École nationale de police du Québec, the École nationale des pompiers du Québec, or an educational institution recognized by the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport or the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche, de la Science et de la Technologie)
Vehicles used to travel to the scene of a public safety emergency, provided the vehicle is owned by the Gouvernement du Québec or the Government of Canada Vehicles occasionally used to travel to the scene of an emergency, provided the vehicle is owned by the director of a fire safety service | Section 226 |
| Flashing or rotating blue lights | Police vehicles | No other vehicles qualify for authorization by the SAAQ | Section 226 |
| Flashing or rotating amber lights | Vehicles subject to an act, regulation or legally established rule Vehicles equipped to refuel, repair or tow road vehicles Equipment transport vehicles Vehicles used for snow removal or road maintenance Public utility vehicles belonging to a telecommunications company (or a company acting on behalf of such a company), Canada Post, a company operating an electrical transmission system or a public transit company | Vehicles used to intercept road vehicles under the powers conferred by a law or regulation (e.g. a vehicle owned by Revenu Québec) Vehicles used by a security agency operating under a municipal contract Heavy vehicles that tow a trailer or semi-trailer with a permanently fixed tank, other than the fuel tank Municipal vehicles used exclusively to control traffic Vehicles required to travel at a reduced speed or make repeated stops along a route as part of public utilities work Vehicles belonging to a media corporation or an individual licenced by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) | Section 227 |
| Flashing or rotating white or purple lights | Vehicles belonging to a funeral establishment | No other vehicles qualify for authorization by the SAAQ | Section 227.1 |
| Rotating green light | Emergency vehicles designed to serve as a command and coordination post | Section 226.1 | |
| Flashing green light | Tow trucks Vehicles used by firefighters who have the necessary authorizations from their municipal authority | Section 226.2 |
Unless so authorized by the SAAQ, no individual may install flashing or rotating lights on their vehicle. In addition, peace officers have the right to confiscate unauthorized flashing or rotating lights.
Filing an Authorization and Recognition Application
Last update: July 23, 2026