§ 5-77-201 — Unlawful possession, purchase, sale, or transfer of a blue light or blue lens cap

(a) It is unlawful for a person to: (1) Knowingly possess or purchase a blue light or blue lens cap with a purpose to unlawfully use the blue light or blue lens cap; or (2) Transfer a blue light or blue lens cap to another person whom the actor knows or reasonably should know has a purpose to unlawfully use the blue light or blue lens cap. (b) Before selling a blue light or blue lens cap, the seller shall require the buyer to provide identification that legally demonstrates that the buyer is a law enforcement officer, auxiliary law enforcement officer, or a county coroner. (c) Any sale of a blue light or blue lens cap shall be reported to the Division of Arkansas State Police on a form prescribed by the division. (d) Upon conviction, a person who violates this section is guilty of a Class C felony. (e) As used in this section: (1) "Auxiliary law enforcement officer" means the same as defined in § 12-9-301 ; (2) "Blue lens cap" means a lens cap designed to produce a blue color of light when light from a device designed for an emergency vehicle passes through the lens cap; and (3) "Blue light" means any operable device that: (A) Emits a blue color of light; (B) Is designed for use by an emergency vehicle or is similar in appearance to a device designed for use by an emergency vehicle; and (C) Can be operated by use of the vehicle's battery, the vehicle's electrical system, or a dry cell battery. (4) [Repealed.] (f) This section does not apply to the following persons if acting with a lawful purpose: (1) An in-state or out-of-state law enforcement officer or auxiliary law enforcement officer; (2) A county coroner; (3) A person employed by an in-state or out-of-state or federal agency who is operating a vehicle equipped with a blue light or blue lens cap during the course and scope of his or her employment; or (4) A legitimate seller or vendor of blue lights or blue lens caps.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2023, No. 736,§ 12, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2019, No. 380,§ 3, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 439,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Acts 1997, No. 1281, § 1; 2007, No. 827, § 110.