The Democratic Alliance (DA) has issued a strong warning regarding the illegal emergency light usage on vehicles in Gauteng, emphasizing the serious risks posed to motorists’ safety. The party has called for immediate action from the Community Safety Committee for the Gauteng Traffic Police and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to address this escalating issue.

According to the DA, there has been a troubling increase in incidents involving unauthorized vehicles equipped with blue or red emergency lights. Road users have reported feelings of harassment and intimidation from these vehicles, which are allegedly forcing other motorists into dangerous situations, potentially leading to accidents.

DA Gauteng spokesperson for community safety, Michael Sun, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “Innocent motorists and road users in Gauteng are being terrorized by vehicles fitted with unauthorized emergency lights, leading to fatal accidents, some of which have led to the loss of life.”

Understanding the Legal Framework

The illegal use of emergency lights is not just a minor infraction; it directly contravenes Regulation 176 and 185 of the National Road Traffic Act of 2000. These regulations were established to safeguard all road users and to prevent the misuse of emergency signals that can create confusion on the roads.

The law explicitly permits only specific vehicles—such as ambulances, fire engines, and rescue vehicles—to use red flashing lights when responding to emergencies. Furthermore, the act stipulates that only authorized personnel, including members of the SAPS, municipal police, traffic police, and certain members of the South African National Defence Force, may operate vehicles equipped with blue lights while performing official duties.

Registered security companies may use white lights on their vehicles, but these must be clearly marked with the word “security” and the company’s name, and importantly, they must not rotate or strobe.

Illegal Emergency Light: Addressing Reckless Behavior

Sun condemned the “reckless behaviour” displayed by unauthorized vehicle operators, asserting that such actions not only endanger public safety but also diminish the trust that citizens have in legitimate emergency services. He remarked, “Despite being clear, this regulation has been violated mostly by those working in the security industry. Countless road users have shared alarming accounts of feeling harassed, intimidated, or deceived by unauthorized vehicles flaunting blue or red emergency lights.”

In response to these growing concerns, the DA plans to escalate the issue by tabling questions to the Office of the Premier responsible for the Community Safety Portfolio. The aim is to determine what measures are being taken to combat the illegal use of emergency lights in Gauteng.

Conclusion

The DA’s urgent call to action underscores a critical public safety concern. As illegal emergency light usage continues to endanger lives on Gauteng’s roads, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to take decisive steps to curb this trend. Motorists deserve to travel without the fear of harassment or intimidation from unauthorized vehicles, and it is imperative that the laws designed to protect them are enforced rigorously.