Information
Use of Red, White or Blue Light is governed by Rule 108 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 where in the State Government has been empowered to notify the persons / dignitaries under different categories.
Section 108 of Central Motor Vehicles Rules – is reproduced as under :
“Use of red, white or blue light.—(1) No motor vehicle shall show a red light to the front or light other than red to rear:
Provided that the provisions of this rule shall not apply to—
(i) the internal lighting of the vehicle; or
(ii) the amber light, if displayed by any direction indicator or top light or as top light used on vehicle for operating within the premises like airports, ports without going outside the said premises on to public roads;
(iii) a vehicle carrying high dignitaries as specified by the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be, from time to time;
(iii) the blinker type of red light with purple glass fitted to an ambulance van used for carrying patients; or
(v) to a vehicle having a lamp fitted with an electrical bulb, if the power of the bulb does not exceed seven watts and the lamp is fitted with frosted glass or any other material which has the effect of diffusing the light;
(vi) white light illuminating the rear number plate;
(vii) white light used while reversing;
(viii) plough light provided in agricultural tractors for illuminating the implement's working area on the ground in agricultural field operations.
(2) Use of blue light with flasher shall be determined and notified by the State Governments at their discretion.
(3) Use of blue light with or without flasher shall be permitted as top light on vehicles escorting high dignitaries entitled to the use of red light.
(4) Use of multi-coloured red, blue and white light shall be permitted only on vehicles specifically designated for emergency duties and shall be specifically specified by State Governments.
(5) The State Government shall inform the Central Government regarding publication of notifications issued by the concerned State Government under sub-rule (2) and under clause (e) of the Notification No. S.O. 52(E), dated 11th January, 2002, published in the Gazette of India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, regarding use of red light on top of vehicle being used by dignitaries.
(6) In case vehicle is not carrying dignitaries, red or blue light, as the case may be, light shall not be used and be covered by black cover.”
