Ex police vehicles and flashing lights: Is that allowed?

Here in the Netherlands a pretty impressive number of ex-police engines (and cars) are driving around. You don't see them often on the road, but they are often used for events and festivities. That is always done in proper consultation with the Authorities, because you have misunderstandings before you know it. Those retired civil servants are usually very impressive and tough and equipped with all the trimmings.

But is that allowed? In any case, there is a club that deals with these machines. And - kind of natural - the focal point within that club is American equipment. And that can of course also come from locations outside the US of A. Because as every tube viewer has ever seen, the American police drove at least Guzzi and Kawasaki.

Nice: The Guzzis came to America because the largest importer of European motorcycles, Berliner Bros, wanted to offer the police a better alternative to the traditional Harleys. Those Harleys had reached a qualitative low at that time. Those were the times when an importer told a factory what he wanted. Those times are now very much over. Another fact about the Guzzis: Those things have a very practical, long jiffy stand. You kick it out in one go. It falls into the lock and the Guzzi is stable. That kicking out with the foot was a police requirement. This allowed the 'officer' to park his motorcycle while keeping one hand free for his service weapon.

Used police engines

Used foreign police engines (and cars) look different than the Dutch ones. And even for less gifted road users it is often clear that it is about 'classics'. In terms of colors and lettering, as far as we can find, there are no restrictions.

Ex Police motorcycles in the Netherlands

That can therefore be American import engines, former Dutch police engines and stuff from the rest of Europe and Japan. When purchasing, it is useful to know whether such a machine is 'real' or 'reference'. The authenticity can often be traced to the frame numbers. But then? If you find a real, restored copy, you usually pay the grand prize. Because although police engines were of course based on ordinary civilian bicycles, there can still be quite a few differences / special parts on, in or on. If you are looking for NOS gear for a Honda CB450 Police, then you can only go to a maximum of two addresses worldwide.

Depreciated police motorcycles have often done a substantial message and they have not always been treated with the same care. The sun has been working for an hour with the engine running at idle speed, Sprints between intersections to drop it off in exchange service. Pursuits. And it is astonishing how American motorcycle agents can handle their heavy duty bicycles and do so. And not just the Americans: once a bunch of BMWs came on the market that were only used to teach government officials off-road driving. Those machines could never have come out of second gear and, despite their low mileage, they really ran out. Buying a classic ex-police engine can therefore be risky.

The lamp shop

Vehicles not in use by (police, etc.) may not be fitted with light fittings for blue revolving, flashing or blinking lights or facilities that give the impression that the vehicle is fitted with such a light fitting. “No cables and no lamps” is not a valid excuse. A black PVC cover over such a light bar is not taken seriously. The use of a blue painted wooden beam and blue plastic chips sauce buckets on the roof can only be discussed with agents with a sense of perspective. But actually it is not allowed. Because "looks like ..."

The red flashing lights may not work according to our information because: There is nothing in the law about red flashing lights, but there is a car that may never let red light shine forward.

Transmission and receiving equipment

Motorola is the magic word there. The equipment is legal if the owner has a VHF permit.

There is an association of

In 1995 the phenomenon was brought to the Netherlands by the English at a motorcycle fair. The name was then HPMOG (Historical Police Motorcycle Owners Group). That changed here in the green police vehicles foundation and that can easily be translated 1 on 1 into English.

Vehicles of the PVG, NL foundation are often invited to various events such as: open days of the Police and Fire Department, charities (such as CF foundation, Opkikker, Hoogvliegers, Truckruns etc) USA meetings etc.

Blue lamps and the red cross

So those blue lights are not allowed. But did you know that ambulance fans also have a snag? Because that red cross is quite an item. It is heavy.

Article 435c

He who, without being authorized to do so, uses the sign of the red cross or the words “Red Cross” or “Cross of Geneva”, or of signs or words assimilated by the laws and customs of war, or of signs or words imitating them will be punished with imprisonment of up to one month or a fine of the second category.

Additions from readers:

* Red lights would be allowed if switched separately

* Transmission and receiving equipment: Motorola is the magic word there. The equipment is legal if the owner has a VHF permit.

No, more hooks and eyes: The owner (or the person who drives the vehicle) must have a so-called amateur license and the equipment must be able to send on at least one of the permitted amateur bands. If the so-called 4 meter band is ( and yank police equipment is on it) the owner and / or the user must have a so-called 'full' amateur license. You have to take the exam for that.

And an annual contribution to the treasury for donating. If there is none, then you commit a crime before the law.

With a maximum fine of something of 25000 euros and confiscation of the equipment.

But you can of course also put such an ex servant back in a civilian costume