Maryland added green to its warning-light rules in 2022, and the way it's written is good news for contractors. Under the Maryland Transportation Code, highway maintenance and service vehicles owned by the state or a local jurisdiction — or operating under contract with them — can display green flashing lights alongside their amber ones. It's not just for snow, either: the law covers snow removal and the protection of highway maintenance workers, which makes it a year-round allowance.
What Maryland law says
The rule lives in Maryland Transportation § 22-218, added by House Bill 1150 in 2022. It allows qualifying vehicles that are already displaying yellow or amber flashing lights, while in use for snow removal or the protection of highway maintenance workers, to simultaneously display green flashing lights — in a number up to the number of amber lights displayed. In plain terms: green is an add-on to amber, and you can't run more green than amber.
Who can run green and amber lights in Maryland
Maryland's allowance covers:
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Highway maintenance and service vehicles owned by the state or a local jurisdiction
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Vehicles operating under contract with the state or a local jurisdiction
That contractor inclusion is the important part. If you're a private company doing highway maintenance or snow work under a state or local contract, you're in scope — you don't have to be a government-owned truck. The activity still has to qualify: snow removal or protecting highway maintenance workers.
Green is capped to your amber count
Maryland's a little more specific than other states here. You can run green lights up to the number of amber lights you're displaying — so a truck with two amber beacons can add up to two green. Keep amber as the base of your setup and treat green as the visibility boost. Combination amber/green lights make this straightforward.
Shop amber/green lights for Maryland maintenance fleets and contractors
Better-Viz amber/green LED warning lights come in the mounts that fit plows, service trucks, and contractor rigs. Match your amber count and pick your mount:
Shop all Better-Viz amber/green warning lights → collection
Frequently ask question
Can contractors use green lights in Maryland, or only government vehicles?
Contractors are covered. Maryland's law includes vehicles operating under contract with the state or a local jurisdiction, not just government-owned trucks — as long as the work qualifies.
Is green allowed year-round or only in winter?
Year-round. The law covers snow removal and the protection of highway maintenance workers, so it isn't limited to the winter season.
How many green lights can I run?
Up to the number of amber lights you're displaying. Maryland caps green at your amber count, so keep amber as the base of the setup.
Can I use green without amber?
No. Green is only allowed while you're also displaying amber. Run them together.
