Driving a Vehicle with Prohibited Lights in Florida

The Florida Legislature recently passed CS/CS/HB 253, which significantly increased the penalties for driving a vehicle while displaying prohibited emergency lights. Under the new 2025 version of the law, what used to be a first-degree misdemeanor has been elevated to a third-degree felony if the driver uses those lights to effect or attempt to effect a traffic stop.

Florida Statute Section 316.2397 governs which vehicles are permitted to show certain colored lights and which are strictly prohibited. While most violations are handled as non-criminal traffic infractions, the state aggressively prosecutes cases where a driver appears to be “impersonating” a law enforcement officer by using red or blue lighting devices.

If you were arrested for displaying prohibited lights or attempting to stop another vehicle in the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, or Polk County, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm.

Our attorneys can help you understand the specific elements the prosecutor must prove and work to mitigate the consequences of these newly heightened felony penalties.

Call (813) 250-0500.

Attorney for Prohibited Light Offenses in Tampa, FL

If you are under investigation for a violation of Florida Statute Section 316.2397, do not make a statement to law enforcement until you have spoken with an attorney. These cases often overlap with investigations into false impersonation of a law enforcement officer under Section 843.08, F.S.

At Sammis Law Firm, we represent clients facing charges for:

• Operating a vehicle with blue, red, or white lights visible from the front;
• Attempting to stop another vehicle using unauthorized lighting;
• Unauthorized use of sirens or emergency equipment.

Our offices are conveniently located in downtown Tampa, Clearwater and New Port Richey, FL. We fight to protect the rights of drivers accused of traffic-related felonies and misdemeanors throughout the 13th and 6th Judicial Circuits.

Call 813-250-0500.

Prohibited Light Colors and Exceptions

Florida law strictly regulates the colors of lights displayed on vehicles to prevent public confusion. Under § 316.2397, the following rules apply:

• Blue Lights: Generally reserved exclusively for police vehicles and certain Department of Corrections vehicles.
• Red/White Lights: Reserved for fire departments, ambulances, and authorized emergency vehicles.
• Amber Lights: Typically used by wreckers, mosquito control, or mail carriers to indicate a hazard.
• Green/Amber Lights: Reserved for private security agencies (limited to a 50/50 split of colors).

Unless you fall into a specific statutory exception—such as being a volunteer firefighter or a medical technician with proper authorization—displaying these colors so they are visible from the front of your vehicle is a violation of the law.

Penalties for Violating Section 316.2397

The 2025 legislative update created a two-tiered penalty system for prohibited lights:

• Non-Criminal Traffic Infraction – In most cases, simply having the lights on your vehicle is a non-moving violation. While this results in a fine, it does not carry the threat of jail time or a criminal record.
• Third-Degree Felony – Under Section 316.2397(10)(a), the offense is elevated to a third-degree felony if the driver:
  • Violates the prohibition on displaying red, red and white, or blue lights; and
  • Effects or attempts to effect a stop of another vehicle.

A third-degree felony in Florida is punishable by:

• Up to five (5) years in Florida State Prison or on probation; and/or
• A $5,000 fine.

Elements of the Offense of Driving with Prohibited Lights

To secure a conviction for the felony version of this offense, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

• The defendant drove or moved a vehicle upon a highway;
• The vehicle showed or displayed a red, red and white, or blue light visible from directly in front of the vehicle; and
• The defendant used those lights to stop or attempt to stop another vehicle.

Defense strategies often focus on the “visibility” of the lights, whether the driver’s intent was actually to effect a stop, or whether the lighting equipment meets the technical requirements set forth in the statute.

Additional Resources

Florida House of Representatives Bill Analysis (CS/CS/HB 253) – Read the full legislative analysis regarding the increase in penalties for offenses involving motor vehicles and prohibited lights.

Florida Statute 316.2397 – View the full text of the 2025 Florida Statutes regarding prohibited lights and exceptions.

This article was last updated on Friday, March 20, 2026.