Green Strobe Technology for Winter Snow Removal Operations

In a prior post I commented on use of green LED strobe lighting pilot being conducted by Ohio Department of Transportation on their snow plow trucks.  Ohio DOT was impressed and now use green strobes as standard component of their lighting package on their snow plow trucks.  The Ohio state legislature passed legislation which the governor signed approving and dedicating green lighting to snow plow trucks.  The use of green LED strobe lighting is being evaluated by some Michigan agencies.  The city of Livonia and Oceana County Road Commission are two which have them in use right now.  The City of Wixom has just taken delivery of trucks with green warning lighting.  The feedback I have received has been totally positive.  Livonia Fleet Manager has received positive feedback from drivers citing increased visibility especially in blowing snow. Oceana CRC Fleet Manager stated the green lights are visible even when they are covered by snow.  The green light cuts through snow clouds and fog much better than amber. As stated previously; the lasers used for wing plow operations are green due to their ability to be seen through snow clouds, blizzards, fog etc.  This is proving to be the case for green safety lighting.  Oceana CRC fleetmanager did share a  Michigan State Police officer told them the green lights are not "legal" but that he thought they are far superior to amber for visibility.  As for legality, I am not a lawyer, but I do know the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code does not address green lighting at all.  So what does that mean?  They are not legal because they are not approved?  They are not illegal because they are not banned?  The Officer did tell Oceana CRC he would not ticket them for use of the lights.  As a result there is a movement among some CRAM (County Road Commission Association) to get legislation passed in Michigan similar to Ohio.

Funny story;  a lady motorist told the Oceana CRC fleetmanager that she liked the Christmas lighting on their plow trucks and hoped they would install it on all of them!