Legislation and Regulatory Framework for Green Tow Truck Lights
December 2023 Regulatory Amendments
The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) officially modified the flashing green light regulations on December 21, 2023, now allowing tow truck owners to equip their vehicles with green strobe lights under certain strict conditions.
Legal Conditions for Using Green Strobe Lights
Tow truck drivers are authorized to activate their green strobe lights only when the following two conditions are simultaneously met:
- Required by an emergency service - The tow truck must be called by an official emergency service
- Amber rotating lights activated - The tow truck's amber/yellow warning lights must be functioning
Technical Specifications and SAE Standards for Green Strobe Lights
Mandatory Technical Standards
According to SAAQ regulations, green strobe lights must meet one of the following specifications:
Specification | Technical Details |
---|---|
LED Modules | One or more light-emitting diode (LED) modules with flash rate between 1 Hz and 4 Hz |
SAE J845 Standard | Compliant with SAE J845 standard (February 2019 version or later) |
SAE J595 Standard | Compliant with SAE J595 standard (August 2021 version or later) - View our certified products |
Technical Restrictions
- The light cannot be rotary or imitate the appearance of a rotary light
- Maximum of 8 green strobe lights can be installed (interior or exterior)
- Maximum of 3 visible lights from the front, rear, or each side of the vehicle
- The luminous area of amber lights must remain greater than that of green lights
Installation and Positioning of Green Strobe Lights
Regulatory Dimensions and Placement
Single Light Visible from All Sides
If a single light is installed to be visible from the front, rear, and both sides:
- Maximum dimensions (excluding mounting system) according to SAAQ specifications
- Central positioning for optimal visibility
Multiple Lights
For multiple lights visible from different angles:
- Maximum dimensions specified by regulations
- Balanced distribution around the vehicle
Positioning Constraints
The green strobe light must be positioned to:
- Not prevent the operation of safety equipment
- Not interfere with airbag deployment
- Ensure secure mounting compliant with standards
- Maintain the predominance of amber/yellow lights
Rights and Privileges Granted to Tow Trucks
Special Authorizations During Emergency Service
When green strobe lights are legally activated, tow truck drivers are authorized to:
- Drive on the shoulder when safe and necessary
- Stop their vehicle in any appropriate location
- Receive courtesy from other road users
Operator Obligations and Responsibilities
Compliance with Highway Safety Code
Despite authorization to use green strobe lights, tow truck drivers must:
- Respect speed limits at all times
- Obey traffic signs and traffic lights
- Maintain safe and responsible driving
- Use green lights only in authorized situations
Authorization and Compliance Process
Administrative Procedures
Unlike volunteer firefighters, tow truck owners do not need prior SAAQ authorization to install green strobe lights, provided that:
- Equipment meets SAE J845 or J595 standards
- Installation complies with technical specifications
- Use respects legal activation conditions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Premium Services Technologies Solutions for Tow Trucks
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- High-intensity LED lights - Maximum visibility
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Regulatory Evolution and Perspectives
Context of the New Regulation
This regulatory modification is part of an approach to improve road safety and recognize the crucial role of towing services in managing emergency situations on Quebec roads.
Impact on the Towing Industry
Authorization of green strobe lights allows tow trucks to:
- Improve their visibility during emergency interventions
- Reduce response times in critical situations
- Enhance safety for operators and road users
- Further professionalize the towing sector
Harmonization with Other Provinces
This regulation aligns Quebec with practices in other Canadian provinces that already authorize the use of green strobe lights for certain emergency service and towing vehicles.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The introduction of green strobe lights for tow trucks in Quebec represents a significant advancement for road safety and towing service efficiency. It is essential that all operators fully understand the legal conditions of use and strictly comply with current regulations.
Premium Services Technologies strongly recommends that tow truck owners invest in certified equipment and train their drivers on new regulations for optimal and compliant use of green strobe lights.
For more information on our SAE-certified emergency lighting solutions, visit pstlight.com or contact our expert team at sales@premium-services-technologies.com