Is this Illeagal

[Viper_7]

If I had them in and got pulled over because if it - I'd have the police up on harrasment charges
If they then tried to go over the car looking for problems on the basis that I was originally stopped for having a strobe light that was turned off inside the car- I'd be off to court and having them charged!

Just tell them to stick it and either charge you or get out of your face!

[bigandquick]

My understanding is that it is not legal to fit blue lights of this type to anything other than emergency vehicles - it's not a case of impersonating the police, although given the type/colour of your car they could argue that one.
Secondly, the unit you have bought would contravene the relevant construction and use laws by having a high intensity white light to the rear, this unit is for over dash mounting.
Thirdly, the seller has also broken the law I believe, as blue flashing lights are only supposed to be sold on evidence of emergency service documentation.

I don't believe the fact that they are not switched on would make any difference to the legality.

As has been suggested, just put them on when you are at the shows.

[migrator]

Perhaps this reply is a bit late in the day, but why not just go and ask at the local Nick? Explain the circumstances and see what they say. If they say it is OK then ask the station officer for a note to that effect. I am sure that they will thank you for at least checking up on things.

[Volitiveflyer]

Originally Posted by matt24

Evening all, Just a quick question, I have a ex Police S70 T5 and I have just bought a police strobe for the rear window, This is, and will only bee used for show, off road use I am in no way trying to replicate the police in any way shape or form on the road, If I get pulled over by the police and they see this light in the rear window (Not in action) am I going to get in deep trouble.
Just wanted to know the legality.
Here is a picture of the unit I have purchased.



Many thanks.

Matt.

My husband is a retired Ex-Police Inspector, he advises that it's a case of yes & no, whilst it is not illegal to have the unit fitted in your car, it is illegal to drive around and have it on display even if it is not working as you could be percieved by the public as being a Police Officer, & of course if you are not a geniune officer, you are committing an offence and could be done for impersonating a Police Office, it is an offence full stop, so I advise you to leave it at home.
F

[Volitiveflyer]

I have found this on the internet after my post, it may be of some help to you!

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/em2005/uksiem_20052559_en.pdf

F

Apart from the ROSPA legalities, I don't think you would convince the police of your innocent explanation as to why you would need to have it their. Also what would your insurance say if you had to make a claim ? I am sure they will be very interested in your list of items claimed for any subsequent loss you might claim for. Most traffic police cars (unmarked) have red stobe effect rear lights and usually have an unnunciator board on the rear shelf iluminating stop or other advise.
V70 driver

[Viper_7]

Originally Posted by Volitiveflyer

My husband is a retired Ex-Police Inspector, he advises that it's a case of yes & no, whilst it is not illegal to have the unit fitted in your car, it is illegal to drive around and have it on display even if it is not working as you could be percieved by the public as being a Police Officer, & of course if you are not a geniune officer, you are committing an offence and could be done for impersonating a Police Office, it is an offence full stop, so I advise you to leave it at home.
F

How can one be impersonating a police officer by having a strobe light in the car. If the owner tries to do any kinda of police duties then fair enough...but it's a light..nothing less, nothing more. This argument is very weak and has no grounding. There is no list of police items published anywhere, there is no list of the police uniform which does actually vary, there is no list of all the types of lights etc fitted to police cars anywhere so how would you know that what you have bought may be seen as impersonating a police officer?!

As I drive a Volvo - hell I'm impersonating a police officer..arrest me now.
If the police tried the old impersonation thing for having a light that's turned off they wouldn't have a leg to stand on.

Vipes

[The Mad Taff]

Originally Posted by Viper_7

How can one be impersonating a police officer by having a strobe light in the car. If the owner tries to do any kinda of police duties then fair enough...but it's a light..nothing less, nothing more. This argument is very weak and has no grounding. There is no list of police items published anywhere, there is no list of the police uniform which does actually vary, there is no list of all the types of lights etc fitted to police cars anywhere so how would you know that what you have bought may be seen as impersonating a police officer?!

As I drive a Volvo - hell I'm impersonating a police officer..arrest me now.
If the police tried the old impersonation thing for having a light that's turned off they wouldn't have a leg to stand on.

Vipes

You don't get it do you?

It's nothing to do with the impersonating a police officer, it's just illegal to have a blue strobe like in the picture/link fitted to a non-emergency vehicle!!!

As I've given the same answer on a different forum, here's what I posted :-

Are all blue lights warning beacons or special warning lamps as these are restricted to fitting and use on emergency vehicles by regulation 16?

'No vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, shall be fitted with :-
(a) a blue warning beacon or special warning lamp, or
(B) a device which resembles a blue warning beacon or a special warning lamp, whether the same is in working order or not.'

Also http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1989/Uks...psimilardevice

In simple terms your car is not fit for the purpose it was intended for.
All emergency service vehicles are specially prepared, licenced and operated. Your's is not. One would ask, why you would need to have it in the back? The white light COULD be a reversing light, but what is it doing in side the car and behind smoked glass and importantly what would you say the blue light is for? All it will take is for you to be involved in an accident where the police are called and you will have some explaining to do. I see the impersonating aspect, blue flashing lights, Volvo car, lots of police outfits use them, you wearing suitably dark clothing etc. You would be asking for trouble.
V70 driver

Originally Posted by Viper_7

How can one be impersonating a police officer by having a strobe light in the car. If the owner tries to do any kinda of police duties then fair enough...but it's a light..nothing less, nothing more. This argument is very weak and has no grounding. There is no list of police items published anywhere, there is no list of the police uniform which does actually vary, there is no list of all the types of lights etc fitted to police cars anywhere so how would you know that what you have bought may be seen as impersonating a police officer?!

As I drive a Volvo - hell I'm impersonating a police officer..arrest me now.
If the police tried the old impersonation thing for having a light that's turned off they wouldn't have a leg to stand on.

Vipes

[dave r]

Originally Posted by matt24

Evening all, Just a quick question, I have a ex Police S70 T5 and I have just bought a police strobe for the rear window, This is, and will only bee used for show, off road use I am in no way trying to replicate the police in any way shape or form on the road, If I get pulled over by the police and they see this light in the rear window (Not in action) am I going to get in deep trouble.
Just wanted to know the legality.
Here is a picture of the unit I have purchased.



Many thanks.

Matt.

Matt, you say "I am in no way trying to replicate the police in any way shape or form on the road"
Why then do you need to drive your vehicle on the highway with this type of lamp fitted. Leave it it home or tuck it away in the boot till you get to the show, you will only be drawing attention to yourself.
P.S. If it's fitted in the car (even if not plugged in) it's then capable of use, therefore illegal.