TOPEKA —"Imagine driving down the road and seeing red or blue lights approaching from behind or coming toward you. Naturally, you might slow down and pull to the right, thinking it’s an emergency vehicle," Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner wrote on his social media page. "This split-second reaction could create confusion and even lead to a dangerous traffic crash."
"That’s exactly why KHP Trooper Mai stopped a semi earlier Tuesday that was lit up with festive holiday lights, including red and blue lighting displayed to the front. While the display was interesting and joyful, these colors are reserved for emergency vehicles and can’t be used on public roadways."
The driver was cited for unauthorized additional lighting to ensure safety on our highways. "While we appreciate the holiday cheer, let’s keep the roads safe for everyone.Save the lights for your home or tree."
Trooper Gardner later deleted the social media report. "My goal was to highlight the work our troopers are doing to keep the roads safe, but I realize now that the post may have caused some confusion, and I want to clear that up," he wrote.
"Kansas law is clear: only white (headlights) and amber (turn signals) lights are allowed to shine to the front of vehicles. Adding any other lights, even festive ones, is a violation. It’s simply the law, and it exists to prevent confusion on the road. Distracted driving and other challenges already make driving tricky enough, and these expectations are meant to keep things as straightforward and safe as possible."