NJ Form BLC-51 Red Light Permit | County OEM Guide – County Emergency Management (OEM) Coordinators and their deputies in New Jersey play a critical role in coordinating emergency response across the state. To support rapid response, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) issues special red light and siren permits under Form BLC-51. This official application allows eligible County OEM Coordinators to equip their personally owned or leased vehicles with emergency red lights and sirens.
This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, application requirements, mounting rules, validity periods, and the official download process for Form BLC-51. All information is based on current New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission resources and New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.) Title 13, Chapter 24.
What Is Form BLC-51?
Form BLC-51 is the official “Application for Red Light Permit for County Emergency Management Coordinator” issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s Business Licensing Services Bureau. It authorizes County Emergency Management Coordinators and Deputy County Emergency Management Coordinators to display a red emergency light and use a siren on vehicles they own or lease while responding to emergencies.
Red and blue emergency light permits are issued free of charge. The form appears on the official MVC Forms page under the “Special light permits” section alongside related applications such as BLC-50 (Municipal OEM Coordinator) and BLC-56 (general red light/siren permits).
Official download link: Download Form BLC-51 (PDF) from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
Who Is Eligible for the BLC-51 Red Light Permit?
According to the information provided on Form BLC-51 and N.J.A.C. 13:24-3.2, eligibility is limited to:
- County Emergency Management Coordinators
- Deputy County Emergency Management Coordinators
The permit applies only to vehicles that the applicant owns or leases. The vehicle must be used in the performance of official emergency management duties. Permits are not transferable and are tied to both the individual and the specific vehicle listed on the application.
Related authority is found in N.J.A.C. 13:24-2.4, which includes Emergency Management personnel among those eligible for red emergency light and siren permits when the vehicle is owned or leased by the applicant.
Key Requirements and Supporting Documents
When completing Form BLC-51, applicants must provide:
- Full name and address of the applicant
- New Jersey driver license number
- Name of the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle
- Vehicle make, model, year, registration plate number, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Description of the vehicle’s use
- Applicant’s signature, title, organization, and corporation code (if applicable)
Required attachments include:
- A copy of the current vehicle registration
- A copy of the lease agreement or contract if the vehicle is leased
- A letter of request (as noted on the form)
The application must be signed by the Director of the Board of Chosen Freeholders (or other appropriate county authority) for the county in which the applicant serves. After county approval, the application is forwarded to the Director of the State Office of Emergency Management for further review. Final approval and issuance are handled by the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission.
How to Apply for the BLC-51 Permit?
Follow these steps to submit a complete application:
- Download the official Form BLC-51 from the New Jersey MVC website: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/about/BLC-51.pdf.
- Complete all sections of the application accurately.
- Attach a copy of the vehicle registration and, if applicable, the lease agreement.
- Obtain the required signature from the Director of the Board of Chosen Freeholders (or equivalent county authority).
- Forward the completed package to the State Office of Emergency Management for approval.
- Once approved at the state OEM level, the application is sent to the MVC Business Licensing Services Bureau for final processing and permit issuance.
Mailing address for the Business Licensing Services Bureau:
Business Licensing Services Bureau
P.O. Box 168
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0168
Phone: (609) 292-6500 ext. 5095 or ext. 5014
Questions about the application may be directed to the Business Licensing Services Bureau. Spanish-language assistance is available at (609) 292-6500 ext. 5008.
Additional light permit information is available on the official MVC Light Permits page: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/business/lightpermits.htm.
Permit Validity, Possession, and Cancellation Rules
The red light/siren permit issued under Form BLC-51 is valid only during the term of office of the holder or for a period of two years from the date of issuance, whichever period is shorter. The permit is nontransferable.
The permit must be in the possession of the Coordinator at all times when the vehicle is operated with the red light displayed. It must be exhibited upon request by any law enforcement official.
The permit must be surrendered to the Director of the State Office of Emergency Management upon:
- Expiration of the term of office
- Termination of office
- Sale, transfer, disposal, or termination of the lease of the permitted vehicle
Cancelled or revoked permits must be surrendered by the holder within ten (10) days.
Mounting and Use Restrictions
Strict rules govern how red lights and sirens may be installed and used:
- Any siren must be mounted under the hood or in the center of the roof of the vehicle.
- Any red light used must be a portable light with a magnetic base.
- The red light may be affixed only when the vehicle is being operated in response to an actual emergency and may only be mounted on the roof.
- Mounting on the interior front dashboard, fenders, or any other location is prohibited.
- At the conclusion of the emergency, the red light must be removed.
- Use of the light and/or siren during simulated emergencies or training exercises is prohibited.
These requirements align with N.J.A.C. 13:24-3.5 and 13:24-3.6 regarding mounting specifications and use requirements for emergency management permits.
Related Forms and Resources
County OEM Coordinators may also encounter these related special light permit forms available on the MVC Forms page:
- BLC-50 – Red Light Permit application for Municipal OEM Coordinator
- BLC-56 – Red Light and/or Siren Permit application (general)
- BLC-56A – Red Light Permit application for Search & Rescue
- Blue light permits (BLC-54 series) for certain emergency management and volunteer roles
Full list of MVC forms: https://nj.gov/mvc/about/forms.htm.
Why the BLC-51 Permit Matters for New Jersey Emergency Management?
County Emergency Management Coordinators are responsible for developing, coordinating, and activating county-wide mutual aid and emergency management plans. The ability to respond quickly with proper emergency lighting and signaling equipment helps ensure public safety during natural disasters, hazardous material incidents, and other emergencies.
By following the official application process and adhering to mounting and use rules, Coordinators maintain legal compliance under New Jersey motor vehicle and emergency management regulations while enhancing their capacity to protect residents across all 21 counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for Form BLC-51?
No. Red and blue emergency light permits are free of charge. Amber warning light permits currently require a $25 fee per vehicle.
Can the permit be used on more than one vehicle?
No. Each permit is specific to the vehicle listed on the approved application.
Where can I find the most current version of the form?
Always download the latest version directly from the official New Jersey MVC website: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/about/BLC-51.pdf.
Who do I contact with questions?
Business Licensing Services Bureau at (609) 292-6500 ext. 5014 (select option 6 for light permits) or ext. 5095.
This guide is intended for informational purposes for U.S. residents, particularly those serving in New Jersey emergency management roles. Always verify current requirements with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and the State Office of Emergency Management, as regulations and form versions may be updated.