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This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Chapter 4501-11 | Funeral Escort Vehicles-Flashing Lights

 
 
 
Rule
Rule 4501-11-01 | Not mandatory to install flashing lights.
 

The standards and specifications for flashing lights to be used on funeral escort vehicles are set forth for those individuals or companies who desire to use flashing lights. The law does not make it mandatory to install flashing lights on any funeral escort vehicle. All motor vehicles that are equipped with flashing lights, are to be equipped according to the standards and specifications set forth in this chapter.

Last updated July 1, 2024 at 4:19 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4513.181
Amplifies: 4513.181
Five Year Review Date: 6/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 6/16/2005
Rule 4501-11-02 | Motor vehicles owned by authorized funeral establishments.
 

Motor vehicles, except motorcycles, owned and operated by an authorized funeral establishment, which is an establishment that is in compliance with the laws of Ohio and the rules and regulations promulgated by the board of embalmers and funeral directors of Ohio, relative to the operation of funeral establishments in Ohio, are governed by the following standards and specifications:

(A) Amber flashing, rotating, oscillating and/or strobe-type light(s) may be permanently or temporarily installed on all motor vehicles that are used as escort vehicles.

(B) Amber flashing, rotating, oscillating and/or strobe-type light(s) installed by the manufacturer on all combination cars, funeral hearses and other special funeral escort vehicles will be recognized as in compliance with the director's standards and specifications.

(C) All other escort vehicles may be equipped with not less than one nor more than three amber flashing, rotating, oscillating and/or strobe-type light(s).

(1) Each light is to be amber in color when illuminated, and not be less than twenty-one candle power and be visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet.

(2) At least one light is to be visible from all sides of the vehicle.

Last updated July 1, 2024 at 4:19 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4513.181
Amplifies: 4513.181
Five Year Review Date: 6/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 3/10/1980
Rule 4501-11-03 | Motor vehicles of state of Ohio or political sub-division.
 

A motor vehicle of the state of Ohio or any political sub-division that is permanently equipped with a flashing light or lights mounted to project the beam to the front of the vehicle, is considered in compliance with this chapter.

Last updated July 1, 2024 at 5:05 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4513.181
Amplifies: 4513.181
Five Year Review Date: 6/1/2029
Rule 4501-11-04 | Motor vehicles of any other individual, company or group.
 

Motor vehicles, except motorcycles, of any other individual, company, establishment or group are governed by following standards and specifications:

(A) Flashing, rotating, oscillating and/or strobe-type light(s) are temporarily or permanently installed to facilitate the movement of a funeral procession during the escorting.

(B) Not less than one nor more than three flashing, rotating, and/or oscillating light(s) and/or strobe-type light(s) are displayed.

(C) Each light is to be amber in color when illuminated. Each light is to be not less than twenty-one candle power and be visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet.

(D) At least one light is to be visible from all sides of the vehicle.

Last updated July 1, 2024 at 5:06 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4513.181
Amplifies: 4513.181
Five Year Review Date: 6/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 6/16/2005
Rule 4501-11-05 | Motorcycles used as funeral escort vehicles.
 

Motorcycles used as funeral escort vehicles, except motorcycles used by public law enforcement officers or other persons sworn to enforce the criminal and traffic laws of the state, are governed by the following standards and specifications as to flashing lights:

(A) Motorcycles are to be equipped with a minimum of two flashing, rotating, oscillating and/or strobe-type light(s).

(B) The lights are to be placed one on each side of the headlight. Each light is to be amber in color when illuminated and not less than twenty-one candle power and be visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front of the motorcycle.

(C) Additional flashing, rotating, oscillating and/or strobe-type light(s) may be installed to the side and rear of the motorcycle. The additional lights are to be amber in color when illuminated.

Last updated July 1, 2024 at 5:06 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4513.181
Amplifies: 4513.181
Five Year Review Date: 6/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 6/16/2005
Rule 4501-11-06 | Operation of flashing lights on funeral escort vehicles.
 

Flashing, rotating, oscillating and/or strobe-type light(s) used under the provisions of this chapter are not to be in operation, except when in actual performance of duty as a funeral escort vehicle to facilitate the movement of a funeral procession.

Last updated July 1, 2024 at 5:07 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4513.181
Amplifies: 4513.181
Five Year Review Date: 6/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 6/16/2005
Rule 4501-11-07 | Compliance with other laws.
 

The standards and specifications set forth in this chapter on use of flashing lights for funeral escort vehicles do not in any way eliminate or void required compliance with section 4511.451 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 23, 2023 at 11:27 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: R.C. 4513.181
Amplifies: R.C. 4513.181
Five Year Review Date: 9/1/2025