What Is New Jersey Form BLC-56A?
Form BLC-56A is the official MVC application used by eligible members of recognized search and rescue teams to request authorization to mount and operate red emergency lights (and associated sirens where permitted) on a personally owned or leased vehicle.
The form is listed under the “Special light permits” section of the New Jersey MVC Forms page. Red and blue emergency light permits are issued free of charge, unlike amber warning light permits that carry a fee.
You can download the official Form BLC-56A directly from the New Jersey MVC website: Download Form BLC-56A (PDF).
Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Red Light Permit Under BLC-56A?
According to N.J.A.C. 13:24-3.3, the following individuals may apply:
- The active chief, first assistant chief, principal, or principal assistant of a search and rescue team.
Additional eligibility requirements include:
- The search and rescue team must be incorporated in the State of New Jersey.
- The team must be recognized by a county Office of Emergency Management or the State Office of Emergency Management and listed in either a county or the State Emergency Response Plan as a resource.
- No more than two permits may be issued to any one search and rescue team.
The vehicle must be owned or leased by the applicant. A copy of the vehicle registration (and lease agreement if applicable) must be attached to the application.
How to Complete and Submit Form BLC-56A?
Follow these steps to apply:
- Download the form — Obtain the current version of BLC-56A from the official MVC site: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/about/BLC-56A.pdf.
- Complete the applicant section — Provide your full name and address, New Jersey driver license number, registered owner/lessee details, vehicle make/model/year, registration plate number, VIN, and a description of the vehicle’s use. Sign and date the form, and include your title, organization name, and corporation code (if assigned by the MVC).
- Obtain County Emergency Management Coordinator approval — Submit the completed application to your County Emergency Management Coordinator for signature of approval.
- Forward to the State Office of Emergency Management — After county approval, the application is sent to the Director of the State Office of Emergency Management for further review and signature.
- Final MVC processing — If approved at the state level, the application is forwarded to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission for final approval and permit issuance.
Required attachments: A copy of the vehicle registration and, if the vehicle is leased, a copy of the lease agreement/contract.
Mail completed applications to:
Business Licensing Services Bureau
P.O. Box 168
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0168
For questions, contact Business Licensing Services at (609) 292-6500 ext. 5014. Spanish-language assistance is available at (609) 292-6500 ext. 5008.
Permit Validity, Cancellation, and Use Rules
Key rules from the form and N.J.A.C. 13:24 include:
- Validity period — The permit is valid only during the term of office of the holder or for a period of two years, whichever is shorter. Permits are non-transferable.
- Automatic cancellation — The permit is automatically cancelled upon the expiration or termination of the holder’s term of office, or upon the sale, transfer, disposal, or termination of the lease of the permitted vehicle. The cancelled permit must be surrendered to the State Office of Emergency Management.
- Mounting requirements — Red emergency lights must use a non-permanent mounting system unless the vehicle displays a proper identifying placard or sign (letters at least 2½ inches high in contrasting colors identifying the vehicle’s function and county or municipality). Non-permanent lights may be displayed only during an actual emergency response and must be removed afterward. Lights may not be mounted on the interior front dashboard or used in place of regular headlights. Alternately flashing or strobe headlights are prohibited.
- Siren requirements — Any permitted siren must be mounted according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and be audible from at least 500 feet.
- Authorized use — Red lights and sirens may be used only when the vehicle is operated by (or under the direct supervision of) the permitted search and rescue personnel in response to an actual emergency.
- Possession of permit — The operator must carry the permit at all times when the red light and siren are displayed and must present it upon request by a law enforcement officer or authorized MVC representative.
Related New Jersey Light Permit Forms
The MVC issues several specialized light permit applications. Related forms include:
- BLC-56 — Red Light and/or Siren Permit (general)
- BLC-50 — Red Light Permit for Municipal OEM Coordinator
- BLC-51 — Red Light Permit for County OEM Coordinator
- BLC-54 and variants — Blue Light Permits
Full lists and additional light permit information are available on the official MVC Light Permits page: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/business/lightpermits.htm and the main Forms page: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/about/forms.htm.
Important Notes for Search and Rescue Teams in New Jersey
Operating red emergency lights without a valid permit is prohibited under New Jersey law. Unauthorized use can result in penalties. Always verify that your team meets the recognition and incorporation requirements before applying.
Regulations are subject to change. Applicants should always download the most current version of Form BLC-56A from the official New Jersey MVC website and confirm requirements with Business Licensing Services or their County Emergency Management Coordinator.
For the latest official information, visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website at https://www.nj.gov/mvc/.
Download the official Form BLC-56A here: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/about/BLC-56A.pdf