Green warning lights in New Jersey are now legal on State and local government snow plows and salt trucks, as long as the truck is also running its required amber lights. The change came with S-2697, signed into law on January 12, 2026, and this will be the first full winter it's in effect.
The New Jersey rule is narrower than some other states. It covers government-owned and operated snow and ice vehicles, and green only runs alongside amber during plowing or salting operations. Here's what it allows and what to check before you buy.
New Jersey green light law: quick facts
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Law: S-2697, signed January 12, 2026 (amends N.J.S.A. 39:3-50 and 39:3-54)
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Who qualifies: Snow and ice removal vehicles owned and operated by the State or a local government unit
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Amber required? Yes. Green can only be shown while the vehicle also displays its required amber lights
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When: During an operation that's a traffic hazard, like active plowing or salting
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Private contractors: Not included in the bill as introduced (verify against the enacted text)
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Mandatory? No. Green is optional
What Does New Jersey's Green Light Law Allow?
New Jersey's law lets one or more green lights be added to a motor vehicle used to remove or prevent ice and snow on roadways, when that vehicle is owned and operated by the State or a local government unit. The bill, S-2697, was sponsored by Senators Patrick Diegnan and James Holzapfel and signed into law in January 2026.
The goal is the same one behind every state's green light change: give drivers a more visible warning so they slow down and give plow crews room.
Who Can Run Green Lights in New Jersey?
State and local government snow and ice vehicles. That means NJDOT trucks, county road departments, and municipal public works plows and salt spreaders.
What's not covered, based on the bill text: privately owned plow trucks, including many contractors that municipalities hire for snow removal. If you're a contractor, don't add green to a New Jersey truck unless the enacted law or your agency confirms you're covered. This is the biggest difference between New Jersey and states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, where contractors doing qualifying work are included. For every state, see our green and amber warning light laws by state guide.
Do You Still Need Amber Lights in New Jersey?
Yes. Green can only be displayed while the vehicle is also showing the amber lights New Jersey already requires on snow removal vehicles. Green adds visibility. It doesn't replace amber.
A combination amber/green light is the simplest way to run both colors from the same unit. If you're unsure how a specific light fits your agency's setup, contact us before you order.
When Can Green Lights Be On?
Only while the truck is doing work that creates a traffic hazard and calls for drivers to take extra care approaching, passing, or overtaking it. In practice, that's active plowing, salting, or spreading. Green isn't meant to be on while the truck is just driving back to the yard.
Shop Better-Viz Amber/Green Lights for New Jersey Plows and Salt Trucks
Better-Viz amber/green LED warning lights fit the trucks municipal and county crews run: plows, dump bodies, and salt spreaders. Every light in the line gives you amber and green output, so you're choosing the size and mount.
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Better-Viz 26" Amber & Green LED Strobe Light Bar (BV-GA3X4X26)
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Better-Viz 15" Amber & Green Mini Strobe Light Bar (BV-GA3X4X15)
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Better-Viz Post Style Dual-Layer LED Strobe Beacon (KF-WB-833H-3)
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Better-Viz "The Sentinel" Ultra-Thin 4.5" Surface Mount (BV-21UT)
Shop all Better-Viz amber/green warning lights
Outfitting a full municipal or county fleet? Contact us for a bulk quote.
Need Help Picking the Right Light?
We'll help you match a Better-Viz amber/green light to your truck and mount. Real people answer the phone.
Contact BB Overstock Parts [confirm contact page URL]
New Jersey FAQ
Are green lights legal on snow plows in New Jersey?
Yes, on snow and ice vehicles owned and operated by the State or a local government unit. The truck has to be displaying its required amber lights at the same time. The law was signed on January 12, 2026.
Can private snow plow contractors use green lights in New Jersey?
The bill as introduced covers only State and local government owned and operated vehicles, so private contractors aren't included. Confirm with the enacted law or your contracting agency before adding green to a contractor truck.
Can I run green lights without amber in New Jersey?
No. Green can only be displayed while the vehicle also displays the amber lights New Jersey requires on snow removal vehicles.
When can a New Jersey plow turn on its green lights?
During operations that create a traffic hazard, such as active plowing or salting, when drivers need to use extra care approaching or passing the truck.
Do New Jersey towns have to add green lights?
No. The law allows green lights on qualifying vehicles but doesn't require them.
