Columbus, Georgia

MEMORANDUM



DATE: February 8, 2002



TO: Mayor, Columbus Council and City Manager



FROM: Clifton C. Fay, City Attorney



SUBJECT: State Law Prohibiting Flashing Blue Lights on Motor Vehicles Other

than Law Enforcement Vehicles



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In response to a question concerning flashing blue lights on motor

vehicles, please be advised that O.C.G.A. ? 40-8-90 prohibits operation of "any

motor vehicle equipped with or containing a device capable of producing

flashing or revolving blue light except motor vehicles owned or leased by any

federal, state, or local law enforcement agency." A copy of this state law

which was completely rewritten in 1992 is attached for your convenience. Any

person operating a vehicle with a blue non-flashing or non-revolving light

would not be violating the statute unless they have the ability to operate a

power switch or other device which makes the light flash or revolve. Of

course, this particular statute does not apply to lights of a color other than

blue.



The Police Chief's office is reviewing the statute and citations issued

under the statute and we will inform you of any further developments.





CCF/smw

C: Police Chief Willie L. Dozier

Assistant Police Chief Wesley Mott