Amber Lights - UPDATE
Ok, I mailed NJ DOT and asked:
Is there a permit required to use a roof mounted amber strobe light while
actively plowing snow in the state of NJ? If so, where and how could I get
one? How much would it cost per vehicle?
Thanks!
Charles Smith
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The reply I got was this:
Please call 609-777-1682 for further information concerning the use of amber lights.
Sincerely,
Correspondence Center
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So I just called that number, which was a Division Of Motor Vehicles number. The woman I spoke to told me that unless I have a Government Contract, that an amber light CAN NOT BE USED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHILE PLOWING SNOW. I asked if it was OK to use one in a parking lot while plowing, and the answer was still NO. She said that the amber lights must be removed from my vehicles. She reiterated, and said that only those who hold Goverment contracts, qualify to use an amber light in the State of NJ, period.
Now I find this hard to believe, as Snow (Bryan) pointed out, EVERYONE uses amber lights while plowing. I know for sure that MAYBE 2% of those using the lights have Government contracts in NJ. This is truly absurd, due to the fact that while plowing snow you want to be as visible as possible to other motorists and pedestrians. We all know how limited our visibility is while plowing snow, and anything to help other motorists and pedestrians see and hear us(back up alarms) is a BIG plus in my book!
So there you have it. You can be issued a summons if you use a light without a permit. It's a good thing the Police don't know this, or don't enforce it, because they could make a fortune writing summonses every time it snows!
I can't honestly say I don't see any trucks around here without an amber light on while plowing.
Furthermore, I think it's time to start writing to NJ MVS, and maybe even petition them to ammend this law. The public's safety is at stake here.
For those of you who plow in NJ, here's the number. You can call yourself. If you do plow Government contracts, they will issue you a permit, and you are required to have one. She didn't say how much the permit was or what info you would need to supply to get said permit.
I have a feeling if I told her my truck was used as a Service Station "rescue" truck, I could get one. Or if it was a tow truck.
NJ MVS - Amber Light Info
(609) 777-1682
A VERY TICKED OFF
~Chuck
Oh, and don't forget, we have a great governor (NOT!!!) in NJ. Her name is Christine Todd Whitman. Believe me, the laws she has made regarding trucks in this state, and motor vehicles in general, has MANY people VERY MAD.
When she runs for Vice President, or any other office, you couldn't get me to vote for her for "all the tea in China!!"