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CDL HOLDERS:  Beginning June 16, 2025, DMV will no longer accept a paper medical certificate.  Your certificate will be sent electronically to DMV.  Learn more here

REGISTRATION SERVICES: We offer appointments to reduce in-office wait times. Residents with an immediate need to register a vehicle may visit any office location, except for Putnam and Stamford. Residents without an appointment may experience longer wait times, as those with appointments will receive priority service. We will do our best to accommodate everyone. (HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday - 7:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m./Thursday - 9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Before visiting the DMV, verify that services are available at your desired location.

Get a flashing light permit for emergency and maintenance vehicles

Learn how to qualify for a flashing or siren light permit

Get a flashing light permit for emergency and maintenance vehicles

Learn how to qualify for a flashing or siren light permit

Overview of flashing light permits

What’s a flashing light permit?
Certain emergency or maintenance vehicles may be allowed to display lights other than most standard motor vehicle lights, known as flashing or siren lights (or safety lights/emergency lights). These lights and sirens alert other motorists of an emergency or maintenance situation.

The display of flashing lights on such emergency or maintenance vehicles requires a written permit from the DMV as described in CGS Section 14-96q.

 

How to get a flashing light permit
Permits can only be processed by mail and cost $20 per permit, payable by check or money order made out to “DMV.” Please complete your permit application and mail it with payment to:

 

Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Attn: Specialized Registry Unit

Please call the DMV with any questions: 860-263-5700.

 

See below for the different categories of flashing and siren light permits and related applications, as well as frequently asked questions (FAQs).

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  • Emergency vehicles
  • Maintenance vehicles or escort vehicles
  • Emergency personnel

Emergency vehicles

For flashing lights for emergency vehicles, please complete the application for flashing light permit - emergency vehicles (Form E-215EV) and submit with a $20 fee per permit.


Below are the emergency vehicles as defined in state statute 14-283(a) that qualify for a flashing light permit:

  • An ambulance or vehicle operated by an emergency medical service organization responding to an emergency call or taking a patient to a hospital
  • A fire truck or other vehicle used by a fire department or officer of one responding to a fire or emergency call (but not returning from one)
 

Maintenance vehicles or escort vehicles

For flashing lights for maintenance vehicles or escort vehicles, please complete the application for yellow/amber light - maintenance/escort vehicles permit (Form E-215ME) and submit with the $20 fee per permit.

 

Construction vehicles, road service vehicles, escort vehicles, snowplowing vehicles or utility/cable vehicles must be approved by a local police chief, resident trooper, town official or DOT. 

Companies with 10 or more vehicles requiring an amber light permit, may apply for a blanket permit using form E-215ME and including a list of fleet vehicles.  Please include the year, make, VIN & current plate number for each vehicle.  Permits are $20 per vehicle.

 

Emergency personnel

For flashing or siren lights for emergency personnel, please complete the Application for yellow, red, white light permit (Form E-215) and submit with payment of $20 per permit.

 

The following personnel must complete form E-215 to apply for a red, white, red/white, red/white/amber or white/amber permit.  Please check all applicable boxes on the form.

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of emergency medical service organization
  • Assistant/Deputy to CEO of emergency medical organization
  • Director of emergency management
  • Fire chief
  • Assistant fire chief
  • Deputy fire chief
  • Fire marshal
  • Fire police
  • Constable