§ 813. General Requirements.

(a) Flash Rate. Flashing warning lamps, other than gaseous discharge lamps, shall operate at a rate of 60 to 120 flashes per minute, with a 40 to 60 percent on-time under all operating conditions. The time between the end of one flash and the beginning of the following flash for a gaseous discharge lamp shall not exceed 0.85 seconds, which corresponds to a minimum of 70 flashes per minute. Flashes having a light output less than the required minimum shall not be counted in reporting flash rate. Light pulses having a light output less than the required minimum shall not be included in the on-time.

(b) Voltage. Warning lamps manufactured for more than one voltage shall comply with all requirements of this title when tested at each voltage. Warning lamps designed to operate on a rated voltage of 12 volts shall be tested at 12.8 volts. Warning lamps designed to operate on a rated voltage of 24 volts shall be tested at 25.6 volts. Warning lamps designed to operate on a rated voltage of other than 12 or 24 volts shall be tested at a voltage equivalent to the voltage provided by the vehicle storage battery charged to 100% capacity with no current drain.

(c) Exterior Lens Surface. The outside surface of the illuminated section of the lens shall be smooth with no ribs, ridges, or indentations other than marks of identification, screw holes, and aiming pads.

(d) Double-Faced Lamps. Steady burning double-faced lamps shall have opaque dividers to minimize exterior light shining through the lamp.

(e) Multiple Light Source Lamps. Lamps with two or more individual light sources shall have all light sources operating together when the lamp is steady burning or flashing.

HISTORY

1. Amendment filed 11-25-2002; operative 12-25-2002 (Register 2002, No. 48).

2. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 10-17-2007; operative 11-16-2007 (Register 2007, No. 42).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Section 26103, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 24012 and 26103, Vehicle Code.