NC LAW: Can I use flashing/alternating lights on my suv?

Question

First off, I am a utility contractor for a cable company in NC. I use my own vehicle (Chevy Blazer) for work (magnetic signs). Occasionally I have to stop on the road and block a lane of traffic to access a utility pole or to help others (traffic control). We use orange cones for this.

Our company owned trucks also use a small orange slow strobe (1 flash/sec). I usually use my hazards. This is still not enough with all of the curvy roads we encounter in the mountains. We had two guys rear ended because the other drivers "didn't see bright orange cones" and I almost got hit 3x. I would like to have ONLY my ORANGE HAZARDS flash rapidly and alternately but only when I am parked in the road working. Is this legal?

I stay very busy working usually 60 hours a week and I don't have the time to read a manual or usually even make a phone call. I am looking for some help researching this and the RIGHT answer! I know it's borderline, that's why I am asking! NO "maybes" or "probablies"!

Answer 1

This would be the same is if you were working for a large trucking company and it is legal.

I have seen this many times were a vehicle will have flashing headlights and top mounted strobe lights for use during work related jobs, either just for sitting by the roadside for protection of the job and the workers.

I was told that while driving these vehicle if the lights are needed that they could only use the flashing amber lights either on top or the ones that are mounted in the front grill.

Answer 2

First off, I'm not really impressed by how busy you claim to be.  If you had the time to write up this question, you could have done some research on your own.

That being said, take a look at the statistics on how many police and emergency vehicles are rear-ended while stopped on the side of the road for various purposes...  It's downright scary, and you can bet that they have more flashing lights and barricades than you will ever have!

People just don't pay attention anymore.  All the flashing lights and rubber cones in the world will not protect you from that one drunk driver who is just too out-of-it to see and respond to your little car sitting on the shoulder of the highway.

I would suspect a couple of magnetic yellow strobe lights on the roof of your vehicle would be more effective than added  flashing lights mounted inside your turn signals.  The higher up the lights are, the easier it is for others to see them.  If you're driving an SUV type vehicle, make sure the strobes are mounted far enough to the rear of your vehicle, so they can be seen by drivers approaching from the rear.

Answer 3

I wouldn't bother with arranging for your hazards to flash differently, the average driver wouldn't see them either! Like already said, you can get all sorts of strobes and light bars which run off the lighter socket and which are much more visible. Oh, and put warning signs/cones out BEFORE the curve you're hiding around.

Here's one source :http://www.strobesnmore.com/

I note you had the time to write the question, but not do a simple search . . . . !

Answer 4

You want the right answeer?? Then quit moaning about how busy you are and find out what the  state law is. How long does  it take to make a friiggin' phone call??

Answer 5

You can install strobes or a rear wig wag control on your rear facing lights legally. You can also purchase a strobe beacon (like you have on the company trucks)  that plugs into the lighter and is magnetic.

It is legal as long as you are stopped! You can even have the stop (brake) lights flashing as part of your hazard warning system!

Answer 6

Of course you should use them! They are hazard lights and you present a hazard on the roadway. Most restrictions are not having Blue or Red Lights visible from the front.