Vehicles With Flashing or Rotating Lights

Certain vehicles are automatically authorized to use flashing or rotating lights or other special 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 the scene of an emergency 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 dispense professional training (École nationale de police du Québec⁠ ⁠) Vehicles used by the Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs⁠ ⁠ or the Ministère de la Sécurité publique⁠ ⁠ to travel to the scene of a fire or a disaster.	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 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 Farm tractors Tool vehicles Escort vehicles for special events	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	Vehicles used by firefighters who have the necessary authorizations from their municipal authority		Section 226.2⁠ ⁠

Unless authorized by regulation, individuals may not install flashing lights on their vehicle.

Filing an authorization and recognition application

Flashing Green Light for Tow Trucks
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When a tow truck is required by an emergency service, the driver is authorized to use a flashing green light in addition to the amber rotating or flashing light when travelling to the scene of accident.
Flashing Green Light in a vehicle operated by a firefighter
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Firefighters who are authorized by a municipal authority may use a flashing green light when responding to an emergency call from a fire safety service.
Emergency Vehicles: Sirens and Flashing or Rotating Lights
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Emergency vehicles use sirens and flashing or rotating lights. Other vehicles require authorization by the SAAQ.
Vehicles With Flashing or Rotating Amber Lights
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Certain vehicles are automatically authorized to be equipped with flashing or rotating amber lights. Other vehicles require authorization by the SAAQ.

Last update: January 11, 2024