Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 January 2019
223. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the law on the use of flashing beacons by moving vehicles; the vehicles permitted and not permitted to use flashing beacons; and the circumstances in which flashing beacons must or must not be used by moving vehicles. [4843/19]
View answerThe law governing the use of flashing beacons is set out in the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) (Blue and Amber Lamps) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 342 of 2006) as amended by the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) (Blue and Amber Lamps) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 695 of 2011). These regulations list the vehicles that are permitted to use flashing beacons and the technical specifications that those beacons must adhere to.
Flashing lights equipped on a vehicle must only be used when and where necessary.
Under the regulations, blue lights may be used on vehicles by:
- the Gardaí Síochána in the performance of their duties;
- the fire services;
- persons providing an ambulance service;
- the Irish Coast Guard, with or without a trailer;
- Marked Military Police vehicles;
- the Irish Prison Service; and
- vehicles used for the delivery or collection of human transplant organs, human blood or human blood products.
Amber lights may be used on a:
- breakdown vehicle;
- road clearance vehicle;
- road works vehicle;
- vehicle used in the provision or maintenance of telephone services or of gas or electricity supply;
- Customs and Excise patrol vehicle; and
- an authorised vehicle used in the collection and disposal of refuse.
