Here's an interesting question...

Does use as an emergency vehicle affect the MINI warranty at all?

 

I don't see how it could, since it is still being operated as a motor vehicle.

 

I just know the extended warranty I got through my credit union (wanted to be covered on all angles on the new MINI) specifically states that the warranty is void if vehicle is operated as an emergency vehicle. Just didn't know how MINI viewed it with regard to their warranty, particularly with the fact that the support this very idea on the MINI Motoring Hearts portion of their site (though they also support racing your MINI but note that doing so will void the warranty.. so I dunno).

 

FWIW, having a blue light in a non-municipal or non-state vehicle will get you a ticket in many states, even if you are an "emergency responder". Might be worth keeping in mind if you travel out of state. YMMV.

 

My brother would love to see this - thanks for sharing!

If you're looking at the sirens, you might want to check out this thread and others like it (search NAM for "horns"). You can hook up an alternate horn under the hood. The member AGranger is one of the big guys to ask about the horn thing - evidently (unfortunately didn't get there myself this year) his horn marked the "start" of Minis On The Dragon (MOTD.)

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ighlight=horns

 

I must say that does look pretty stinking cool!!

What are the looks on people's faces when you go by with the lights blazing?

 

Some states have laws that will protect you from a ticket as long as you have proper documentation for your lights from the state you live in, plus you aren't using them out of state.

In any case, the great thing about LEDs (such as what I have) is that they are colorless when off, protecting you from any type of ticket/harrassment.

 

And they're uber bright to boot!

 

If I remember correctly(no promises) and if the laws haven't changed, in most places a police car/fire truck/ambulance is considered an emergency vehicle, but a personal vehicle used by a member of a department to respond (even if it has lights) is not considered an emergency vehicle.

For example, in Missouri emergency vehicles can have red lights(actually I think they are required to have at least one visible to the front), but a firefighter or EMT using their personal vehicle cannot have any red lights visible to the front since their vehicle is not an emergency vehicle. If a firefighter (or other responder) has a red light visible to the front of their personal vehicle, they can get a ticket.

BTW: nice job on the lights. I wish I had my MINI when I was in EMS and law enforcement. My wife is still an EMT and we have been out and about when she got called to respond to a scene. Nothing like responding in a MINI, especially with the top down.

 

The law regarding personal vehicles (POVs) and their emergency vehicle status vary from state to state. Some states grant full emergency vehicle status to POVs and require proper warning equipment be installed (usually 360 degrees of visible red and at least a 100w siren). CT, on the other hand, is classified as a "courtesy state," meaning that our lights only "ask" for permission to pass. If the vehicle in front of you pulls over (as they usually do), you have the right to pass them. You cannot, however, run stop signs/red lights, break the speed limit, etc. And on the rare occasion that someone is a **** and won't pull over for a blue light, there is nothing you can do.

 

Excellent work!

Here's my air-horn thread... https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=133950

 

Very nice!

 

Hey I want to do a similar set up in my Cooper (Colby). I'm an EMT in NJ and also need to "sprint" to the squad house or scene. So far I only have a dash light suctioned in front of the rear view, but when making turns etc. people can't see it. What kind of lights do you have for the rear and how did you sort out the wiring? I'm thinking of doing the same for the rear and have additional ones on each "rear" window (thus i'll have all sides covered). Cheers man.