NJ Form BLS-34 Amber Light Permit Application Guide – If you operate a tow truck, service vehicle, snow-removal equipment, security vehicle, or work as a contractor for New Jersey transportation authorities in the United States, you may need a flashing amber warning light permit. The official application is New Jersey Form BLS-34, issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC) Business Licensing Services Bureau.
This SEO-optimized guide explains everything U.S. residents and businesses need to know about the BLS-34 Amber Light Permit application, including eligibility, fees, required documents, submission process, and where to download the current form. All information is based on official NJ MVC resources and New Jersey statutes.
What Is New Jersey Form BLS-34?
Form BLS-34 is the official application for a Flashing Amber Light Permit in New Jersey. It authorizes eligible vehicle owners or lessees to equip their vehicles with flashing amber (yellow) warning lights, such as strobe, LED, or rotating beacons. These lights improve visibility and safety when vehicles perform specific services on public highways.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission issues three types of special light permits: red, blue, and amber. Amber permits require a fee, while red and blue emergency light permits are free. Form BLS-34 covers most commercial and contractor uses of amber lights. A separate form (BLS-34a) applies to public utility company employees.
Official download link for the current form:
Download New Jersey Form BLS-34 PDF (Amber Light Permit Application)
You can also find it on the official NJ MVC Forms page under Special Light Permits: NJ MVC Forms – Special Light Permits.
Who Is Eligible for a Flashing Amber Light Permit?
According to N.J.A.C. 13:24-4.1 and the instructions on Form BLS-34, owners or lessees of the following vehicles are eligible:
- Tow trucks bearing commercial registration – lights may be used at accident or breakdown scenes and while towing or transporting disabled vehicles.
- Service vehicles bearing commercial registration – used for maintenance, inspection, repair, or escorting over-dimensional loads on public highways.
- Snow-removal and/or sanding vehicles bearing commercial registration – only while engaged in snow removal, sanding, or plowing under a government contract.
- Security services vehicles bearing commercial registration – only while actively providing security services for commercial businesses or private residences.
- New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) contractor/subcontractor (consultant/sub-consultant) employee vehicles bearing passenger registration – used at NJDOT worksites.
- New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) or South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) contractor/subcontractor employee vehicles bearing passenger registration – used at Authority worksites.
Applicable commercial vehicle registration codes for certain categories include 11, 16, 23, 31, 32, 33, 39, 41, 51, 52, and 56. Passenger registration codes 1–9 and 15 apply to certain contractor vehicles.
Farm vehicles and authorized emergency vehicles have separate rules. Government-registered vehicles performing eligible services generally do not need a permit.
For the complete eligibility list and restrictions, review the official regulations on the NJ MVC Light Permits page.
Permit Fees and Validity
Since February 1, 2009, a $25 fee applies for each vehicle for both the initial issuance and each renewal of an amber light permit (N.J.S.A. 39:3-50(d)). Make checks payable to “NEW JERSEY MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION” or “NJMVC.” Total fee equals the number of vehicles × $25.
The permit is valid for four years from the date of issuance, unless cancelled or revoked. It is non-transferable. The permit automatically cancels if:
- The employment or service type ends
- The vehicle is sold, transferred, disposed of, or the lease terminates
In such cases, surrender the permit to the NJ MVC within 10 business days.
How to Complete and Submit Form BLS-34?
Follow these steps carefully to avoid delays:
- Download the form – Use the official PDF: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/about/BLS-34.pdf.
- Select the correct section – The form contains sections for tow trucks/service/snow/security vehicles and separate sections for NJDOT or NJTA/SJTA contractor employees.
- Provide business or employee information – Include full name/address, contact details, business corp code (if applicable), and a detailed description of the service and location (include county names).
- List vehicle details – Registered owner/lessee name and relationship to applicant, address, license plate number, year, make, model, VIN. Attach additional sheets for multiple vehicles.
- Obtain required signatures – Most applicants need the signature of the chief law enforcement official in the municipality where the service is provided. Contractor employees need an authorized representative signature from the contractor/subcontractor. Public utility employees use Form BLS-34a instead.
- Attach supporting documents:
- Copy of the vehicle registration
- Copy of the lease agreement (if the vehicle is leased)
- Legible copy of driver license (and Social Security card if not a New Jersey license, in some cases)
- Check for the total fee
- Mail the completed application to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Business Licensing Services Bureau
P.O. Box 171
Trenton, NJ 08666-0171
Questions? Contact Business Licensing Services at (609) 292-6500 ext. 5014 (option 6). Spanish assistance is available at ext. 5008.
Important Rules for Using Amber Lights
Once approved:
- The permit must be in the operator’s possession whenever the amber light is displayed and shown upon request by law enforcement or MVC representatives.
- Lights must be mounted so at least one is clearly visible from every direction while in use for the permitted service.
- Alternately flashing or strobe headlights are prohibited.
- For public utility employees (Form BLS-34a), the light must be temporarily attached, removable, flashing or revolving type, no more than 7½ inches in diameter, controlled by an interior switch, and displayed on the roof.
Unauthorized or improper use can result in penalties up to $100 and permit cancellation, suspension, or revocation.
Related Forms and Notices
Public utility company employees should use Form BLS-34a instead. Official notices and additional information are available on the NJ MVC Light Permits page, including fee notices and amendments to requirements.
Always verify the latest version of forms and rules directly on the official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website, as requirements can be updated.
Why Amber Light Permits Matter for Safety in New Jersey?
Flashing amber lights alert other drivers to potential hazards, protecting workers and the public on busy New Jersey roads. Whether you run a towing company in North Jersey, provide roadside service in South Jersey, or work on state highway projects, obtaining the proper BLS-34 permit keeps you compliant with state law and enhances safety for everyone.
Download the form today, complete it accurately, and submit it with the required fee and documents to get your Amber Light Permit.
Official resources: