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Who is allowed to use a blue flashing beacon?
The use of ECE-R65-approved blue lights is regulated by § 52 of the German road traffic regulations (StVO). Circumstances where blue flashing lights are allowed are regulated by § 38 StVO. Using blue beacon lights indicates that a vehicle has special privileges on the road. Rotating blue beacon lights are mainly used by the following authorities or organisations:
- Police vehicles
- Fire engines / fire brigade vehicles
- Ambulance & rescue service vehicles
- Civil protection & armed forces vehicles
A blue flashing light combined with a siren gives these vehicles right of way. This means that all other road users must immediately give way to the emergency vehicle.
Blue flashing beacons on police vehicles
The police often use blue beacon lights in conjunction with blue light bars for abnormal load escort vehicles. The blue light bar is located in the front roof area, while the rotating beacons are installed in the rear roof area of the vans.
Due to their length and height, the front and rear of the vehicles must be fitted with blue lights to ensure that the blue flashing light is safely visible all around the vehicle.
Blue flashing beacons on fire brigade vehicles
Fire brigades (volunteer or professional fire brigades) use blue flashing beacons or blue light bars when responding to emergencies. These vehicles almost always have their blue beacon lights and sirens on when they are on the road. This combination of light and sound gives vehicles the right of way in traffic so they can get to the scene as quickly as possible and save human lives and property.
Blue flashing beacons on ambulance and rescue service vehicles.
Blue flashing beacons on ambulance and rescue service vehicles
Ambulance and rescue service vehicles use flashing blue beacon lights in a similar way to fire engines. However, their sole purpose is to save lives, so they need to be able to pass through traffic to quickly reach the scene of the accident or emergency.
Blue flashing beacons on ambulance and rescue service vehicles
Ambulance and rescue service vehicles use flashing blue beacon lights in a similar way to fire engines. However, their sole purpose is to save lives, so they need to be able to pass through traffic to quickly reach the scene of the accident or emergency.
When are vehicles allowed to use blue flashing beacons?
The use of blue flashing lights is regulated by § 38 of the German road traffic regulations (StVO). A blue LED beacon, for example, warns road users of accidents or other hazards. Rotating blue beacon lights can also be used for escorting abnormal loads or securing cavalcades. However, blue flashing beacons only guarantee right of way when used in conjunction with a siren.
When responding to emergencies, a rotating blue beacon light combined with an acoustic warning signal indicates that the vehicle has right of way. This combination is known as ‘blues and twos’, i.e., blue flashing lights and a two-tone siren. ‘Right of way’ means that all other road users must immediately give way to the emergency vehicle. According to § 38 of the StVO, this combination of blue flashing light and siren may only be used in the following cases:
- to avert danger
- to save lives and property
- when pursuing criminals
The colour blue: symbolism and effectiveness in rotating beacon lights
The colour blue was chosen for emergency vehicles because it is very different from the usual colours often used in road traffic, such as amber, white, green or red. The light from blue flashing beacons also scatters strongly both during the day and at night, so it is easier to recognise and identify from further away than other colours.
Blue flashing beacons used to have a rotor. A rotating reflector circled around a halogen bulb, which emitted a 360-degree warning signal from under a blue lens. LEDs are the state-of-the-art technology today. Blue LED beacons are brighter, longer-lasting and more energy-efficient than halogen technology combined with a rotor. Blue LEDs are available, but blue light can also be generated with a white LED under a blue cover.
Buy blue LED beacons in the ProLux online shop
We’ve got a huge selection of blue flashing beacons. You’ll also find the latest LED versions at reasonable prices. The lights come in different designs – including blue/amber combination lights. It goes without saying that we’ve also got the right attachments for straightforward assembly or electrical connections. Guaranteed to suit your needs! As well as beacons (LED beacons, amber beacons, etc.), we have a wide selection of light bars in different sizes and colours.
Blue flashing beacon
Blue beacon lights are essential pieces of equipment used by the police, fire brigade and ambulance service to catch road users’ attention. Their distinctive colour and highly visible light tell other road users to give way and proceed with caution. Flashing blue beacon lights warn of accidents or danger ahead and also indicate that this vehicle has special rights on the road. Highly visible and instantly recognisable blue flashing beacons allow the emergency services to pass through traffic quickly and safely. TThe blue light in rotating beacons can be generated by powerful blue LEDs or by halogen bulbs and rotors combined with a coloured lens. Every blue LED beacon must be approved in accordance with ECE R65 or ECE-R10.
