Can I have strobe lights on my car in North Carolina (NC) as long as they're not blue?

Question

I see work trucks all the time, with yellow or white flashing lights, how would one justify barring me, a private citizen to do the same, as they are privately owned vehicles. Blue is obviously illegal in some states because it is specialized for the police. In others red is used for the police as well as fire. In North Carolina can one have flashing red lights; technically we already have flashing red lights built in to our car by law.

Answer 1

Sure, go ahead and see how long it takes for you to be arrested for impersonating a police officer...

Answer 2

Yes, but those flashing red lights are not seen from the front of the vehicle, only the rear.

Most states have a statute in effect saying strobe lights are only allowed on emergency vehicles. Amber lights are sometimes allowed on wide or show moving loads, but seldom if ever on privately owned vehicles.

Answer 3

You would need to speak with the Police or possibly someone at Department of Motor Vehicles for that info.

Or, you could buy a copy of the 2007 edition of the Motor Vehicle Laws of North Carolina:
http://bookstore.lexis.com/bookstore/product/42013.html

Answer 4

See (b) 8 and 9, North Carolina General Statutes G.S.20-130.1

§ 20-130.1. Use of red or blue lights on vehicles prohibited; exceptions.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to install or activate or operate a red light in or on any vehicle in this State. As used in this subsection, unless the context requires otherwise, "red light" means an operable red light not sealed in the manufacturer s original package which: (i) is designed for use by an emergency vehicle or is similar in appearance to a red light designed for use by an emergency vehicle; and (ii) can be operated by use of the vehicle s battery, vehicle s electrical system, or a dry cell battery. As used in this subsection, the term "red light" shall also mean any forward facing red light installed on a vehicle after initial manufacture of the vehicle.
(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section do not apply to the following:
(1) A police vehicle.
(2) A highway patrol vehicle.
(3) A vehicle owned by the Wildlife Resources Commission and operated exclusively for law enforcement, firefighting, or other emergency response purposes.
(4) An ambulance.
(5) A vehicle used by an organ procurement organization or agency for the recovery and transportation of blood, human tissues, or organs for transplantation.
(6) A fire-fighting vehicle.
(7) A school bus.
(8) A vehicle operated by any member of a municipal or rural fire department in the performance of his duties, regardless of whether members of that fire department are paid or voluntary.
(9) A vehicle of a voluntary lifesaving organization (including the private vehicles of the members of such an organization) that has been officially approved by the local police authorities and which is manned or operated by members of that organization while answering an official call.