Typically, they indicate a vehicle is transporting a patient for non-emergency medical care and any delays can be critical for those who desperately need assistance.

And, in some jurisdictions, green beacons (including headlights) are used by volunteer doctors, firefighters or other first responders, when time is everything and a minute can mean life or death.

Let’s look at why motorists need to yield right-of-way to green lights:

• Priority Navigation: Green lights help these vehicles navigate through traffic more easily by signaling their priority on the road. This is crucial for patients reaching medical treatments, or in some cases responders arriving at emergency situations, on time.
• Avoiding Delays: Traffic jams and congestion can delay medical assistance significantly. Green lights allow these vehicles to bypass delays for a timely arrival.
• Patient Care: Timely arrival at medical appointments is vital for patients, ensuring they receive the necessary treatment, monitoring, or consultations. It’s also important for volunteer crew responding to a car crash or fire.
• Public Awareness: The use of green lights also serves as a reminder to other road users that there might be someone in critical need of medical attention.

Regulations and Compliance

The regulation and proper use of green lights on vehicles are essential for maintaining safety and operational integrity.

Vehicles using green lights must adhere to local regulations, which typically involves registration that ensures vehicles and operators meet specific criteria aimed at safety and well-being during transit.

The strict regulation of green lights on medical transport vehicles is crucial for maintaining order on the roads, ensuring patient safety, and upholding the effectiveness of emergency response systems.

Always report misuse of green beacons.

Supporting Medical Assistance

Yielding to vehicles with green lights is not only a show of good road etiquette but it also supports individuals requiring assistance.

These sirens represent a priority in traffic and by allowing a passage, you’re helping them navigate traffic, so the vehicle can arrive quickly and safely.