Bill Would Remove Blue Light Requirement For Georgia Patrol Vehicles

A bill working its way through the Georgia State Legislature would no longer require state patrol vehicles to have cars with revolving blue lights on the roof.

New language to state law would remove the restriction that requires Georgia State Patrol vehicles to have lights mounted on top of their vehicles. Currently, all law enforcement agencies statewide are required to have a light on top of their cars if they're not already equipped. If the legislation passes, state patrol cars would be an exception.

The law would instead require that the state patrol vehicles have distinct markings on each side and on the back that say "State Patrol" in letters no less than six inches in height of a contrasting color from the background color of the vehicle. Current state law restricts Georgia State Patrol departments to have up to two vehicles without exterior mounted roof lights. Sheriff's offices and police departments are allowed to have only one vehicle without exterior mounted roof lights. Under the new law, this would remain unchanged.

The bill's sponsor, State Rep. Jodi Lott, said new lighting and signage technology for patrol cars make the rooftop lights unnecessary, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Opponents say it could result in speed traps and traffic tickets.

The bill passed in the House last week; it was introduced in the Senate but has not been voted on yet.