Green warning lights in Ohio are not authorized for snow plows or highway maintenance vehicles as of now. Ohio law lists amber as the flashing warning color for these trucks, so a green-and-amber setup that's legal in Michigan or Pennsylvania isn't covered on Ohio roads.
We'd rather tell you that straight than sell you a light you can't run. This page covers what Ohio's law says, what to run instead, and what to know if your trucks cross into neighboring states that do allow green.
Ohio warning light law: quick facts
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Statute: Ohio Revised Code 4513.17 (current version effective October 3, 2023)
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Highway maintenance vehicles: Amber flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights
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Green lights: Not listed for highway maintenance or snow removal vehicles
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Neighbors that allow green: Michigan and Pennsylvania (with amber, on qualifying vehicles)
What Does Ohio Law Say About Warning Light Colors?
Ohio limits flashing lights on vehicles to the ones the law specifically allows. Under Ohio Revised Code 4513.17, highway maintenance vehicles and similar equipment operated by ODOT or local authorities can use flashing, oscillating, or rotating amber lights when they're doing the work that calls for them.
The statute doesn't mention green. Unlike Michigan, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Maine, and New Jersey, Ohio hasn't added green as an option for plows or maintenance trucks.
Can Ohio Snow Plows Use Green Lights?
Not under current Ohio law. ODOT, county, township, and city plow trucks in Ohio run amber. Adding green to a plow working Ohio roads isn't covered by the statute, even though the same setup is permitted across the state line in Michigan or Pennsylvania.
If you've seen talk about green lights on Ohio plows, it's usually coming from neighboring states or from proposals that haven't become law. Check the current code before you equip a vehicle.
What Should Ohio Crews Run Instead?
Amber. It's the long-standing warning color for plows, salt trucks, and maintenance vehicles in Ohio, and it's what the statute names.
[VERIFY BEFORE PUBLISHING: Confirm with Brian whether any Better-Viz dual-color lights have a flash pattern that runs amber only. If yes, keep the paragraph below. If no, cut it and link to amber-only lights instead, if BB Overstock stocks them.]
Some Better-Viz amber/green lights include flash patterns that run amber only. That gives fleets that work in more than one state a single light that can be set up for Ohio and switched for states that allow green. Contact us and we'll tell you which models do this before you order.
Do Your Trucks Work in Michigan or Pennsylvania Too?
Ohio sits between two states that allow green. If your crew or contracting business crosses state lines, the rules change at the border:
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Michigan allows amber or green on vehicles doing authorized highway repair or maintenance, including privately owned construction vehicles. See Michigan's green light rules.
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Pennsylvania allows green added to amber on highway construction and maintenance vehicles used by municipalities, PennDOT, the Turnpike Commission, and their contractors. See Pennsylvania's green light rules.
For the full list, see our green and amber warning light laws by state guide.
Why Other States Are Adding Green
Visibility. Green stands out against headlights, brake lights, and blowing snow better than amber alone, which is why a growing list of states now let plow and road crews add it. Every state that allows green keeps amber as the base. If Ohio changes its law, we'll update this page.
Need Help Picking Warning Lights for an Ohio Fleet?
Whether your trucks stay in Ohio or cross into Michigan and Pennsylvania, we'll help you sort out what to run where. Real people answer the phone, and we'll give you a straight answer.
Ohio FAQ
Are green warning lights legal in Ohio?
Not on snow plows or highway maintenance vehicles as of now. Ohio Revised Code 4513.17 lists amber for these vehicles and doesn't include green. Check the current statute before equipping a vehicle.
What color lights do Ohio snow plows use?
Amber. Ohio law allows highway maintenance vehicles operated by ODOT or local authorities to use flashing, oscillating, or rotating amber lights.
Can I run amber/green lights on my truck in Ohio if I only use the amber?
That depends on the light and how it's set up. If you're considering a dual-color light, confirm it can run amber only and check with ODOT or local authorities about your specific vehicle before using it on Ohio roads.
Is Ohio planning to allow green lights on plows?
We haven't found an enacted change as of our last review. If Ohio passes a law allowing green, we'll update this page.
Which states near Ohio allow green warning lights?
Michigan and Pennsylvania both allow green alongside amber on qualifying highway maintenance vehicles. New York, Maryland, Maine, and New Jersey also allow it with their own limits.
