Colorado § 42-4-238 - Blue and red lights - illegal use or possession.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-238 — Blue and red lights - illegal use or possession., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-4-238. Blue and red lights - illegal use or possession.
(1) A person shall not be in actual physical control of a vehicle, except an authorized emergency vehicle as defined in section 42-1-102 (6), that the person knows contains a lamp or device that is designed to display, or that is capable of displaying if affixed or attached to the vehicle, a red or blue light visible directly in front of the center of the vehicle.
(2) It shall be an affirmative defense that the defendant was:
(a) A peace officer as described in section 16-2.5-101, C.R.S.; or
(b) In actual physical control of a vehicle expressly authorized by a chief of police or sheriff to contain a lamp or device that is designed to display, or that is capable of displaying if affixed or attached to the vehicle, a red or blue light visible from directly in front of the center of the vehicle; or
(c) A member of a volunteer fire department or a volunteer ambulance service who possesses a permit from the fire chief of the fire department or chief executive officer of the ambulance service through which the volunteer serves to operate a vehicle pursuant to section 42-4-222 (1)(b); or
(d) A vendor who exhibits, sells, or offers for sale a lamp or device designed to display, or that is capable of displaying, if affixed or attached to the vehicle, a red or blue light; or
(e) A collector of fire engines, fire suppression vehicles, or ambulances and the vehicle to which the red or blue lamps were affixed is valued for the vehicle's historical interest or as a collector's item.
(3) A violation of this section is a class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: L. 2004: Entire section added, p. 1080, § 2, effective July 1. L. 2005: (2)(e) added, p. 195, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: (3) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3304, § 724, effective March 1, 2022.
Cross references: For penalties for class 2 misdemeanors, see § 18-3-501.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 42-4-238
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-238 cover?
Section 42-4-238 ("Blue and red lights - illegal use or possession.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 42-4-238?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-238" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 42-4-238 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.