Mobile Security Patrol in Washington: Vehicle & Light Rules

By Skagit Safety Services · Reviewed by Bert Markley, Director of Training (30+ years in private security) · Last checked October 2026. General information, not legal advice — laws change, and your attorney has the final say.

The short version

Patrol vehicles must be clearly private security — no “police” words, badges or insignia that look like a police agency.
Private patrol cars aren’t emergency vehicles: no red lights, no siren privileges, and Washington’s rules don’t list them among vehicles allowed to flash amber lights.
A good patrol company gives you a time-stamped record of every visit — ask for it.

Markings: private security, never police

It is a gross misdemeanor in Washington to possess or use any vehicle or equipment displaying the word “police” or “law enforcement officer,” or bearing any sign, shield, marking, accessory or insignia indicating that it belongs to a public law enforcement agency (RCW 18.170.160). Security companies and officers also may not use a name that includes “police” or “law enforcement” or portrays them as a public agency (RCW 18.170.160). A professional patrol vehicle is clearly marked with the company name — and is unmistakably private security.

Lights: what Washington allows

No red to the front. No one may drive a vehicle on a highway displaying a red light visible from directly in front, except the vehicles authorized in RCW 46.37.190 — such as authorized emergency vehicles and school buses (RCW 46.37.280, 46.37.190).
Flashing lights are restricted. Flashing lights are prohibited except as specifically allowed by statute or as warning lamps authorized by the State Patrol (RCW 46.37.280).
Amber warning lamps are for listed vehicles. The State Patrol’s rule lists the vehicles that may use flashing amber lamps — such as utility, highway maintenance, snow removal, pilot cars, animal control, hazmat and search-and-rescue vehicles, tow trucks and oversize loads — and only while actually working (WAC 204-21-130). Private security patrol vehicles are not on that list. Check with the Washington State Patrol before installing any warning lights on a patrol vehicle.
Spotlights are allowed. Any motor vehicle may have up to two spot lamps, aimed so the bright part of the beam does not strike another vehicle’s windshield, windows, mirror or occupants (RCW 46.37.180).

No emergency-vehicle privileges

Only authorized emergency vehicles — fire, police, sheriff, ambulance and a few others, or vehicles the State Patrol authorizes in writing — may, while responding to an emergency, exceed speed limits, proceed past red lights after slowing, or park irrespective of the rules (RCW 46.04.040, 46.61.035). A private security patrol vehicle drives like everyone else. When something serious happens on your property, the patrol officer calls 9-1-1 — and police respond with lights and sirens.

The officer: licensed like any other

Patrol officers are private security guards and must hold a Washington security guard license or a valid temporary registration card; armed patrol requires an armed license (RCW 18.170.090, 18.170.040, 18.170.160). See hiring a security company in Washington.

What a patrol client should expect

A written scope: which properties, how many visits per night, and what each visit covers.
Visit times that change night to night, so they can’t be predicted.
A time-stamped record of every visit — arrival, what was checked, what was found.
Immediate notice of anything serious, and a written incident report the same night.
A direct number that a real person answers at 3 a.m.

Questions

Can security patrol cars have flashing amber lights in Washington?

Washington prohibits flashing lights except as allowed by statute or authorized by the State Patrol (RCW 46.37.280). The State Patrol’s rule lists the vehicles that may use flashing amber warning lamps, and private security patrol vehicles are not among them (WAC 204-21-130). Check with the State Patrol before installing warning lights.

Can security vehicles say “police” or look like police cars?

No. Using a vehicle or equipment marked “police” or “law enforcement officer,” or with insignia indicating a public law enforcement agency, is a gross misdemeanor (RCW 18.170.160).

Can a security patrol car run red lights or speed to a call?

No. Those privileges belong only to authorized emergency vehicles responding to emergencies (RCW 46.04.040, 46.61.035). Patrol officers call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

How do I know the patrol actually came?

Ask for a time-stamped record of every visit, with what the officer checked and found. Our officers log every visit and report anything that needs your attention.

Mobile Security Patrol in Washington: Vehicles, Lights and What to Expect