Michigan is one of the more open states when it comes to green warning lights. Under the Michigan Vehicle Code, a vehicle engaged in authorized highway repair or maintenance may be equipped with flashing, rotating, or oscillating amber or green lights. What makes Michigan stand out is who that covers: a 2018 change extended the green-light allowance to privately owned construction vehicles, not just state and county trucks. If you run a construction or maintenance operation in Michigan, that matters.
What Michigan law says
The relevant statute is MCL 257.698. It permits amber or green flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights on vehicles engaged in authorized highway repair or maintenance. Snow and ice removal vehicles operated by state, county, or municipal authorities are covered too, as are certain spill-response and environmental vehicles. Michigan State Police guidance to enforcement officers has confirmed that private construction vehicles engaged in authorized highway work fall under this allowance.
Who can run green and amber lights in Michigan
You generally qualify if your vehicle is doing one of these:
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Authorized highway repair or maintenance — including privately owned construction vehicles
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Snow and ice removal (state, county, municipal)
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Spill cleanup or environmental emergency response
The key phrase is "authorized" and "engaged in." The lights are tied to the work. Running green-and-amber on a vehicle that isn't doing qualifying work — or leaving them on between jobs where the law doesn't allow it — isn't covered. Michigan prohibits unauthorized use of flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights of any color except as the statute allows.
Amber and green, not green alone
Michigan's language pairs amber and green. The green is an addition to the amber warning standard, not a substitute for it. A combination amber/green light keeps you aligned with how the statute reads and gives you the visibility benefit the law was written to encourage.
Shop amber/green lights for Michigan maintenance and construction vehicles
Better-Viz amber/green LED warning lights fit the trucks doing this work — plows, dumps, utility beds, and construction rigs. Pick the mount that matches your setup:
Shop all Better-Viz amber/green warning lights → collection
Frequently ask question
Can private construction companies use green lights in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan extended the green-light allowance to privately owned construction vehicles engaged in authorized highway repair or maintenance. This is broader than most states, which limit green to government-owned vehicles.
Do I need amber lights too, or just green?
Michigan's statute pairs amber and green. Green is permitted as an addition to amber, so run a combination setup rather than green alone.
When can I have the lights on?
Only while the vehicle is engaged in the qualifying work — highway maintenance, snow removal, or the covered response activities. They're not for general driving.
Is a permit required?
Michigan's allowance for qualifying maintenance and construction vehicles is set by statute rather than an individual light permit, but requirements can change — confirm current rules with the Michigan State Police or your local authority before equipping a fleet.
