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West VirginiaSB 6922026 Regular SessionSenate

Authorizing green flashing warning lights on DOH vehicles

Sponsored By: Mark R. Maynard (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§17C-15-26

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Amber and white lights for service vehicles

Beginning May 19, 2026, only certain service vehicles may use yellow or amber flashing lights. Examples include tow trucks, rural mail carriers, road service trucks, public service utility vehicles, snow plows, some school buses, and municipal fire apparatus. Fire apparatus must meet the NFPA 1901 standard; used trucks may follow the standard in effect when built if the State Fire Marshal approves. School district vehicles, FTA‑funded transit, and solid‑waste haulers may use a white 360° roof strobe near the back that rises no more than 6.5 inches and has a manual switch and pilot light. Waste service vehicles may also use amber lights. Named officials, such as a county sheriff or the Highways Commissioner, grant these approvals.

Green flashing lights for highway crews

Beginning May 19, 2026, Division of Highways vehicles may use green flashing warning lights. The Highways Commissioner can also give written approval for other vehicles or equipment to use green lights.

Standard color and flashing rules for vehicles

Beginning May 19, 2026, bright lamps over 300 candlepower (not headlights, spot or auxiliary lamps, or front turn signals) must be aimed so their beam does not hit the road more than 75 feet ahead. The only front‑facing colors allowed are white or amber, unless this law specifically allows another color. Flashing lights are banned on vehicles except where this law or other state law allows them; turn signals and flashers for disabled or emergency‑stopped vehicles remain allowed. It is illegal to install or use flashing lights of any unauthorized color; police vehicles may have red or blue lights.

Who can use police and emergency lights

Beginning May 19, 2026, only police vehicles may use blue flashing lights, as designated by their police chief. Red flashing lights are limited to listed emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire and hazmat vehicles, certain rescue squads, and school buses, plus other state‑designated emergency vehicles. Red lights on Class A vehicles for firefighters, rescue, or ambulance staff may be used only while responding to or working an emergency. Named officials, like a fire chief, sheriff, health department, or Homeland Security, must approve red lights for each category.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mark R. Maynard

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 124 • No: 0

House vote • 2/18/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 118)

Yes: 92 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/13/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 80)

Yes: 32 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 270, Acts, Regular Session, 2026

    6/25/2026Senate

  2. To Governor 2/20/2026 - House Journal

    2/25/2026House

  3. Approved by Governor 2/25/2026

    2/25/2026Senate

  4. To Governor 2/20/2026

    2/20/2026Senate

  5. House Message received

    2/19/2026Senate

  6. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    2/18/2026House

  7. Read 3rd time

    2/18/2026House

  8. Passed House (Roll No. 118)

    2/18/2026House

  9. Communicated to Senate

    2/18/2026House

  10. Completed legislative action

    2/18/2026House

  11. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    2/17/2026House

  12. Read 2nd time

    2/17/2026House

  13. House received Senate message

    2/16/2026House

  14. Introduced in House

    2/16/2026House

  15. Immediate consideration

    2/16/2026House

  16. Reference dispensed

    2/16/2026House

  17. Read 1st time

    2/16/2026House

  18. On 3rd reading

    2/13/2026Senate

  19. Read 3rd time

    2/13/2026Senate

  20. Passed Senate (Roll No. 80)

    2/13/2026Senate

  21. Ordered to House

    2/13/2026Senate

  22. On 2nd reading

    2/12/2026Senate

  23. Read 2nd time

    2/12/2026Senate

  24. On 1st reading

    2/11/2026Senate

  25. Read 1st time

    2/11/2026Senate

Bill Text

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