Understanding Emergency Vehicle Lights in Vietnam

“Beep…beep…beep…”, the siren of an ambulance wails through Hanoi’s congested streets. A truck carrying goods along Nguyen Trai Street comes to a halt, yielding to the ambulance. Minh, the truck driver, shakes his head in frustration: “It’s an emergency vehicle, I have to yield! But sometimes it’s confusing, I don’t know which lights have priority and which don’t.” Indeed, understanding the regulations regarding emergency vehicle lights not only ensures compliance with traffic laws but also contributes to a civilized and safe traffic culture.

What are Emergency Vehicle Lights?

Definition and Classification

Emergency vehicle lights are specialized lights installed on specific types of vehicles, emitting distinctive light signals to notify other vehicles to yield the right of way. They typically come in vibrant colors like blue, red, and yellow, and are classified based on color, flashing frequency, and authorized vehicle types.

Purpose of Emergency Vehicle Lights

Emergency vehicle lights act as “silent heroes” on the road, enabling priority vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars to quickly reach emergency scenes and perform critical tasks.

Le Van Nam, a transportation expert, states: “The proper use of emergency vehicle lights for authorized vehicles is crucial for ensuring traffic safety and protecting lives and national assets.” (Hypothetical quote)

Common Types of Emergency Vehicle Lights

1. Blue Emergency Lights

• Commonly installed on police cars, military vehicles, traffic police vehicles, etc.
• Emit blue flashing lights at a high frequency.
• Signal other vehicles to yield the right of way absolutely.

2. Red Emergency Lights

• Used on fire trucks, ambulances, vehicles transporting injured individuals, etc.
• Emit red flashing lights continuously.
• Indicate an emergency situation, requiring other vehicles to yield the right of way.

Red emergency lights on an ambulance

3. Yellow Emergency Lights

• Installed on dike patrol vehicles, tow trucks, road construction vehicles, etc.
• Emit yellow flashing lights at a slow frequency.
• Alert other vehicles to their presence and the need for caution.

Precautions When Encountering Vehicles with Emergency Lights

• When encountering a vehicle with emergency lights, calmly reduce speed and yield the right of way.
• Do not tailgate, overtake on the right, or enter lanes designated for emergency vehicles.
• Follow instructions from traffic authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Emergency Vehicle Lights

1. Which Vehicles are Allowed to Install Emergency Vehicle Lights?

According to the Vietnamese Road Traffic Law, only vehicles serving specific purposes, such as military, police, fire, and ambulance vehicles, are permitted to install and use emergency vehicle lights.

2. Are There Penalties for Illegal Installation of Emergency Vehicle Lights?

Illegal installation of emergency vehicle lights is a violation of the law and subject to strict penalties.

Conclusion

Understanding the regulations regarding emergency vehicle lights is the responsibility of every road user. Let’s work together to build a civilized and safe traffic culture for the safety of ourselves and the community.

Car with emergency lights on the road

For more information on trucks and the latest traffic regulations, please refer to other articles on Xetaihanoi.edu.vn.