Lyft And Uber Lights In Rochester: Legal Or Not?

Uber and Lyft drivers use colourful lights to attract new users and alert clients to their arrival. While these lights are not mandatory, they are encouraged by the companies. However, in some places, these lights are considered illegal. In Rochester, Uber and Lyft drivers have reported making between $8 and $150 for driving between 8 and 20 hours a week.

The Lyft Amp and Uber Beacon lights are pink, purple, and green, respectively

The Lyft Amp and Uber Beacon are devices that use colour-pairing technology to help riders find their drivers more easily. The Amp is Lyft's glowing emblem, which sits on drivers' dashboards and illuminates the streets with an iconic glow. The Amp changes colour to help riders find the right car, with the rider's app showing them the colour to look out for. The Amp will also change colour for holidays or to celebrate a local sports team win. For example, the colour might change to blue and orange for a Knicks win in New York.

The Uber Beacon is a device that goes on a driver's windshield and similarly uses colour-pairing technology to help with pickups, especially at night or in crowded venues. Riders can personalise their pickup by selecting a colour for the beacon to glow on their driver's vehicle. The Beacon also features a screen that communicates helpful messages to riders, such as reminding them to wear their seatbelt and exit curbside.

In terms of legality, there do not appear to be any specific laws prohibiting the use of illuminated signs or emblems on vehicles in Rochester or elsewhere. However, it is worth noting that regulations may vary by location, and it is always a good idea to check local laws and guidelines to ensure compliance.

Kansas State Troopers claim these lights violate the Kansas Traffic Statute

Kansas State Troopers claim that the illuminated signs used by ridesharing app drivers violate the Kansas Traffic Statute. Specifically, they contravene Kansas Traffic Statute 8-1729, which prohibits vehicles on the highway from displaying any colour of light other than "white or amber or any shade of colour between white and amber". The statute also bans flashing lights. The Uber Beacon and Lyft Amp, for example, change colour as the driver nears the passenger, and while the Uber light glows white, the Lyft Amp glows pink and purple.

Some drivers have been ticketed for using these lights, but others plan to continue using them, turning them off while driving. Neither company requires drivers to use the front-facing LEDs, but they do encourage the use of vehicle identification decals. However, not every city, county, or state requires these decals.

Before installing illuminated signs, drivers should check local traffic laws or consult a local attorney specialising in traffic or criminal law.

The statute prohibits lights other than white or amber shades on highways

The statute prohibiting lights other than white or amber shades on highways is in place to ensure that vehicles on the road are easily identifiable. White and amber lights are typically associated with civilian vehicles, while blue and red lights are often associated with emergency vehicles.

The statute helps to ensure that other drivers on the road, as well as pedestrians, can quickly identify emergency vehicles and react accordingly. It also helps to avoid confusion between different types of vehicles, as certain colours of lights are reserved for specific types of vehicles with specific functions, such as snow-removal vehicles or vehicles used for servicing ATMs.

Additionally, the statute aims to prevent the impersonation of law enforcement or emergency personnel. By restricting the use of certain light colours, the statute makes it more difficult for individuals to pose as police officers or emergency responders. This helps to maintain the integrity and credibility of emergency services and ensures that people can trust and rely on these services when needed.

The statute also takes into account the intensity of lighting, with a limit of 300 candlepower for lamps or illuminating devices on motor vehicles. This regulation ensures that lights are not too bright or intense, which could be distracting or dangerous for other drivers and could potentially cause accidents.

Overall, the statute prohibiting lights other than white or amber shades on highways helps to maintain order, safety, and clarity on the roads, contributing to a more efficient and secure transportation system.

The statute also bans flashing lights

The ban on flashing lights is in place to ensure that vehicles on the road are easily identifiable and do not cause confusion or distraction for other drivers. Flashing lights can be distracting and may even be mistaken for emergency vehicle lights. By prohibiting flashing lights, the statute helps to maintain a consistent and predictable environment on the roads, improving safety for all motorists and pedestrians.

The statute's ban on flashing lights applies to all vehicles, including those used for ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft. These services often use colourful lights, such as the Lyft Amp and Uber Beacon, to attract new users and alert clients to their arrival. While these lights may be useful for riders, they fall under the category of flashing lights and are therefore prohibited by the statute.

It's important to note that the legality of these lights can vary depending on the location. Local traffic laws should always be consulted before using any flashing or coloured lights on a vehicle. In some areas, the use of these lights may result in a traffic violation, as seen in the case of Christopher Hockett, who was ticketed for a glowing green Uber light.

Rideshare drivers in Kansas plan to continue using the lights, but only when stationary

Rideshare drivers in Kansas are planning to continue using the LED app logo lights, but only when their vehicles are stationary. This is in response to Kansas State Troopers claiming that the lights violate Kansas Traffic Statute 8-1729, which prohibits vehicles on the highway from displaying any colour of light other than white, amber, or any shade in between, except for certain exempted colours. The statute also bans flashing lights.

The Lyft Amp, for example, glows pink and purple, and changes colour as the driver gets closer to the passenger. The Uber Beacon, on the other hand, glows white but also changes colour when the driver is about to arrive. Some drivers have received tickets for using these lights, but others plan to keep using them while their vehicles are stationary, as they are useful for attracting new users and alerting clients to their arrival.

Neither Lyft nor Uber requires drivers to use the front-facing LEDs, but both companies encourage the use of vehicle identification decals. The laws regarding these decals vary across different cities, counties, and states. While the lights are convenient for both drivers and riders, drivers are advised to check local traffic laws or consult a local attorney specialising in traffic or criminal law before using them.

Frequently asked questions