Senate bill 2749, sponsored by Senator Dawn Marie Addiego after a female teenage driver reported being stopped on a Medford road by a man flashing an emergency blue light and impersonating a policeman, overwhelmingly passed the Senate by a vote of 39–0.
“It is frightening to think about what could happen during a fraudulent car stop on the local roadways,” said Senator Addiego. “We are increasing the penalties for anyone who violates the public’s trust by presenting themselves as a member of law enforcement.”
Blue lights can be used legally by volunteer firefighters and rescue squad members, when responding to an emergency. Office of Emergency Management volunteers can also use blue lights during an emergency response.
“Emergency blue lights are valuable tools for our first-responders, but when they are misused the public is placed at risk. It is crucial that all drivers can be confident that the flashing blue light coming up behind them is someone responding to an emergency, not a crime in the making,” said Assemblyman Patrick Delany.
The bill enhances the penalties for certain offenses connected with the impersonation of a law enforcement officer. S-2749 clarifies that it would be a crime of the fourth degree when a person impersonates an officer by use of a vehicle modified with emergency lights or other insignia to resemble a police vehicle. The offense is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and 18 months in prison.
“We are protecting the emergency volunteers who use these lights properly in service to the community, and cracking down on those who intentionally violate the equipment for personal motive,” said Assemblyman Scott Rudder. “Public safety demands the highest level of confidence.”
The bill also doubles the current penalties for the unauthorized use of emergency warning lights, increasing the fine from $100 and $200 plus revocation of the privilege to operate emergency lights, and from $200 to $400 for individuals who are not authorized to use the lights.
In addition, the bill makes it a disorderly persons offense to sell or offer to sell a blue emergency warning light, unless the purchaser presents a valid identification card (currently these cards are issued to certain volunteer fire or emergency services personnel).
The bill which passed represents a composite of three pieces of legislation introduced by Senator Addiego, and by Assemblyman Scott Rudder and Assemblyman Pat Delany in the lower house. The 8th District lawmakers planned to re-introduce a bill identical to the Senate version in the lower house.
