The Flashing Green Light

On November 22, 2023, the Government of Québec issued an amendment to the Flashing Green Light Regulation under the Highway Safety Code (chapter C-24.2), detailing specific provisions for the use of flashing green lights by firefighters in non-emergency vehicles when responding to emergencies. The regulation mandates that municipal authorities must authorize firefighters, who are members of their fire safety service, to use these lights. This authorization requires an application that includes the firefighter’s valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the previous two years.
The amendments refine eligibility criteria for firefighters seeking authorization, emphasizing the importance of compliance with fire safety protocols and the firefighter’s continued membership in the fire safety service. Additionally, the validity period for the authorization certificate has changed; it will now remain valid until September 15 of the year following the second year from the issuance date, rather than expiring on the firefighter’s birthday after one year. This adjustment aims to improve the efficiency and the renewal process and ensure consistent oversight.
The responsibility for issuing the authorization certificate has shifted to the municipal authority, which must include contact information to validate the firefighter’s authorization. The regulation also outlines clear conditions for revoking this authorization, which may occur due to changes in municipal policy, non-compliance with safety protocols, or loss of the firefighter’s driver’s license.
Specific technical standards for the flashing green lights have been established, requiring the lights to consist of LED modules with a flash rate between 1 Hz and 4 Hz, or to comply with recognized SAE standards. Installation requirements stipulate that flashing green lights must be mounted on the interior of the windshield in a manner that does not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with vehicle operations, with maximum dimensions defined to ensure safety.
Furthermore, the regulation permits tow trucks equipped with amber lights to use one or more flashing green lights under certain conditions, with specific restrictions on the number and visibility of the green lights to ensure they do not exceed the luminous area of the existing amber lights. A new schedule has been added detailing the format and necessary information for the authorization certificate for firefighters.
This amendment to the Flashing Green Light Regulation represents an update to the Highway Safety Code in Québec, establishing clearer guidelines for the authorization and use of flashing green lights by firefighters. It seeks to improve emergency response effectiveness while ensuring public safety on the roads.
Quebec (OC 1696-2023) December 6, 2023