senseneres: RED AND BLUE BLINKERS ARE STRICTLY FOR POLICE ONLY

RED AND BLUE BLINKERS ARE STRICTLY FOR POLICE ONLY

I have seen it far too many times — private security vehicles, expressway patrols, even vans on toll roads flashing red and blue strobes as though they were police vehicles. Each time I see those lights, I ask myself: who gave them that right?

In the Philippines, red and blue blinkers — the so-called “wang-wang” lights — are legally reserved only for the police and other authorized emergency vehicles. Private motorists, security agencies, or expressway patrols have no business using them.

Here is the law: under Presidential Decree 96 (1973), the use of sirens, bells, whistles — and “blinkers or other similar signalling or flashing devices” — is strictly limited to vehicles of the armed forces, national police, fire departments, hospital ambulances, and other Government-designated emergency responders.

Violations are not treated lightly: unauthorized devices may be confiscated, vehicles impounded, and repeat offenders may even face criminal penalties.

To reinforce the rule, on March 25, 2024, the administration issued Administrative Order 18, which reminded all government officials and personnel that they too are bound by the same prohibition — unless the vehicle is a duly designated emergency unit and the lights are used in valid emergency situations.

Why the ban matters

Red and blue blinkers are not mere decorations. They are symbols of authority and urgency. They tell motorists: “Pull over. Let this vehicle pass.” If everyone had that power — private guards, mall security, expressway staff — the meaning evaporates.

Allowing civilians to mimic police signals creates two risks:

Impersonation: Private vehicles can mislead or intimidate other motorists into giving way they are not required to give.
Public safety hazard: Unregulated flashing lights distract drivers, cause confusion, and may even trigger traffic accidents.

The law excludes all except real emergency responders to preserve both authority clarity and road safety discipline.

What should be done — and by whom

Enforcement requires action from the right authorities:

Land Transportation Office (LTO) and driver/license-issuing agencies can confiscate illegal blinkers and impound vehicles.
Philippine National Police (PNP), especially its Highway Patrol Group (HPG), should regularly conduct operations to stop unauthorized use.
Local government units and expressway operators should also enforce the ban — especially since many violations happen on private or concession-controlled roads.

They must ask themselves: are security convoys being “deputized” with red-blue lights by any legitimate authority? If the answer is no — then those lights must be removed.

What we as citizens should do

If you see a private vehicle with red/blue blinkers — report it. Use LTO hotlines or local traffic offices.
If you own a vehicle — check your installed lights. Remove any unauthorized strobes immediately. It’s not worth the risk.
If you are a security agency or expressway operator — stop using police-style lights. Use amber or white hazard lights instead. They are legal and sufficient for visibility.

My Final Words

Red and blue lights are not fashion accessories. They are official warning devices that belong only to police and authorized responders. When civilians or private entities misuse them, they dilute their value, cause public confusion, and undermine road safety.

The law is clear. Moral clarity should follow. If you are not authorized — do not flash.

Until enforcement becomes consistent and citizens stay vigilant, those flashing lights will continue to blind more than just the night.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com senseneres.blogspot.com 09088877282/09-09-2026