Residents of the Denver metro area have reported an uptick in unmarked white SUVs equipped with red and blue flashing lights cruising through construction zones. The vehicles, some bearing out‑of‑state plates, appear to mimic police cars, prompting concerns over legality and the true purpose of their illumination.

Colorado law bans red or blue lights on non‑emergency vehicles

Colorado Revised Statute 42‑4‑238 explicily forbids anyone from operating a vehicle with red or blue overhead lights unless it is an authorized emergency vehicle as defined in statute 42‑1‑102(6). sgt. Ivan Alvarado of the Colorado State Patrol confirmed that “it is illegal for vehicles that are not law enforcement to have red and blue lights.” This legal framework makes the presence of such lights on construction‑site sedans a potential violation.

Denver Metro Security claims POST‑certified officers drive the lit SUVs

Nate Boyd of Denver Metro Security (DMS) told reporters that the company’s vehicles are staffed by off‑duty police officers who hold Colorado POST certification. He argued that because a POST‑certified officer is behind the wheel, the cars are permitted to display the red and blue lights, even though they are not marked police units.

Safety study backs blue‑only lights, not red‑blue combos

A 2019 Oregon Department of Transportation study found that flashing blue lights on law‑enforcement vehicles in work zones reduced driver speeds, while red lights offered no measurable benefit. colorado permits construction and traffic‑control vehicles to use blue and amber lgihts, but the addition of red lighting exceeds the state‑approved safety specifications.

Why a Montana‑plated sedan ends up in Castle Pines

Elite Surface Infrastructure explained that the white sedan spotted in Castle Pines was rented from a Montana firm because it was cheaper than sourcing a Colorado vehicle. the rental company installed CDOT‑specified lights that match those on Colorado State Patrol cars,despite the vehicle’s out‑of‑state registration.

Unanswered:Are DMS vehicles truly exempt from the statute?

The Denver Police Department declined to comment on whether DMS‑operated SUVs constitute a misrepresentation of police authority. Likewise, it remains unclear if the presence of a POST‑certified officer legally overrides the ban on red and blue lights for non‑emergency vehicles.