MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Transportation

By: Representatives Stringer, Huskey

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-20, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT IT SHALL NOT BE UNLAWFUL FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES TO BE MARKED OR EQUIPPED WITH BLUE, RED OR AMBER EMERGENCY LIGHTS PROVIDED SUCH LIGHTS ARE NOT TURNED ON OR OPERATED EXCEPT WHEN RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 63-7-20, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-7-20. (1) It is unlawful for any person, other than a law enforcement officer on duty, to use * * * blue lights on a motor vehicle as provided for in Section 63-7-19.

(2) It is unlawful for any person to use * * * red lights on a motor vehicle except as provided for in Section 63-7-19.

(3) It is unlawful for any vehicle to use alternating flashing headlights except an emergency vehicle as provided in Section 63-7-19.

(4) It is not unlawful for any vehicle described in Section 63-7-19 to be marked or equipped with blue, red or amber emergency lights provided such lights are not turned on or operated except when responding to an emergency.

(5) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.