From Saturday, March 1, 2025, volunteer lifeguards may drive with a green flashing light in traffic. However, the flashing light does not give the volunteers the right to bend any rules.
Starting today, volunteer lifeguards have the option to drive with a green flashing light in traffic. The scheme, which introduces the green flashing light, is designed to increase awareness of lifeguards on their way to an emergency situation.
The green flash is intended to give fellow road users the opportunity to act considerately. The volunteer lifeguards who participate in the scheme are initially those from the 1-1-2 Emergency Rescue Scheme and the TrygFonden's Heart Runners.
Organizations wishing to include their volunteers must apply for permission from the Danish Traffic Authority. The use of the green flash is conditional on compliance with all general traffic rules.
This is stated by the Ministry of Transport in a press release.
The flashing light acts as a signal indicating an important task. The idea is that the green flash results in a smoother passage for the volunteers, as other road users may, for example, refrain from overtaking.
Green flashing lights can also assist ambulances in locating an emergency situation. An information campaign has also been launched clarifying that green flashing lights do not allow deviation from traffic rules.
Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen says he is pleased that the scheme is now in place.
– Every year there are several thousand cardiac arrests, and in most cases, volunteers come before the ambulance.
– With the green flash, they can now show that they are on their way to a life-saving mission and fellow road users have the opportunity to show consideration.
– The volunteers must comply with all traffic rules. The purpose is to support calmer driving, including by encouraging other road users to refrain from overtaking, keep their distance, etc.
– At the same time, the flashing light can help mark the place where a person is in danger of death, so that the ambulance can see it.
Now a campaign is to be launched to make drivers aware of the green flashing light. But unlike the police's blue light, drivers do not have to obey the green light.
– It is a completely unbureaucratic system that can be used where it makes sense. At the same time, a campaign is being launched to draw attention to the fact that the green lights do not allow for breaking the rules.
– And I'm sure everyone will use their common sense when they see a car with a green light, says the Minister of Transport.
The volunteers obtain the green light themselves if they wish to use the scheme.
Technical specifications for the flash are:
- Must give the green light.
- Should flash 60-240 times per minute.
- Do not dazzle other road users.
- To be placed on the roof of the vehicle, but not permanently.
- Must meet UN Regulation 10.
