Emergency vehicles: blue warning lights.

Senator Archuleta's proposal to expand the use of emergency vehicle blue warning lights would authorize California parole officers to display these lights after completing mandatory safety training. The measure amends existing vehicle code provisions that currently limit blue warning light use to specific categories of peace officers, including police officers, probation officers, and members of the California National Guard.

Under the proposed changes, parole officers must complete a four-hour classroom training course on emergency vehicle operation before gaining authorization to use blue warning lights. The Commission on Correctional Peace Officers Standards and Training would certify this required training program. The bill explicitly states that this authorization does not expand parole officers' authority to conduct high-speed pursuits or modify any existing pursuit-related training requirements.

The measure maintains current restrictions that limit the display of blue warning lights to official duties and preserves existing prohibitions on unauthorized vehicles using devices that control traffic signals. These provisions continue to apply to all authorized emergency vehicles, including those operated by newly eligible parole officers.