NJ Form BLC-50 Red Light Permit for OEM Coordinators – Municipal Emergency Management (OEM) Coordinators in New Jersey play a critical role in coordinating local responses to disasters, severe weather, and other emergencies. To help them respond quickly and safely, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) issues special permits allowing the use of red emergency lights (and in some cases sirens) on personal or leased vehicles. Form BLC-50 is the official application for this red light permit specifically for Municipal OEM Coordinators and their deputies.
This guide covers everything U.S. residents (especially those in New Jersey) need to know about Form BLC-50, including eligibility, required documents, submission process, and key rules, based on official New Jersey MVC information.
What Is New Jersey Form BLC-50?
Form BLC-50 is the “Application for Red Light Permit for Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator” issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s Business Licensing Services Bureau. It authorizes eligible Municipal OEM Coordinators and Deputy Municipal OEM Coordinators to equip a vehicle they own or lease with a portable red emergency light (and siren under specific conditions) for official emergency response duties.
Red and blue emergency light permits are issued free of charge by the NJ MVC. The form is available as a fillable PDF on the official state website.
Official download link: Download Form BLC-50 (PDF)
Who Is Eligible for a BLC-50 Red Light Permit?
According to official guidelines on the form:
- Municipal Emergency Management Coordinators
- Deputy Municipal Emergency Management Coordinators
The permit applies only to a vehicle owned or leased by the applicant. It is not available to general emergency management staff or other municipal employees unless they hold one of these specific titles.
Related forms exist for other roles:
- BLC-51 for County OEM Coordinators
- BLC-54 series for blue light permits (volunteer fire, first aid, municipal/county emergency management)
- BLC-56 / BLC-56a for other red light/siren and search & rescue permits
Source: NJ MVC Light Permits page and NJ MVC Forms page.
Key Rules for Red Light Use Under BLC-50
The reverse side of Form BLC-50 outlines important restrictions:
- Eligibility confirmation — Permits may be granted only to Municipal OEM Coordinators and Deputies for vehicles they own or lease.
- Possession of permit — The permit must be carried at all times when the red light is displayed and shown to any law enforcement officer upon request.
- Validity period — Valid only during the term of office or for two years from the date of issue (whichever is shorter). The permit is non-transferable.
- Surrender requirements — The permit must be surrendered to the Director of the State Office of Emergency Management upon expiration of office, termination of office, sale/transfer/disposal of the vehicle, or end of a vehicle lease. Cancelled or revoked permits must be returned within 10 days.
- Mounting and use restrictions —
- Red lights must be portable with a magnetic base.
- They may be affixed only to the roof of the vehicle and only when responding to an actual emergency.
- Mounting on the dashboard, fenders, or any other location is prohibited.
- The light must be removed after the emergency ends.
- Use during simulated emergencies or training is prohibited.
- Any siren must be mounted under the hood or in the center of the roof.
These rules help ensure public safety and prevent misuse of emergency lighting.
How to Complete and Submit Form BLC-50?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the form from the official NJ MVC site: BLC-50 PDF.
- Fill out the applicant section with:
- Date
- Full name and address of the applicant
- NJ Driver License Number
- Name of Registered Owner/Lessee
- Street address, city, county, state, ZIP
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Registration plate number and VIN
- Description of vehicle use
- Applicant’s signature, title, organization, and Corp Code (if applicable)
- Obtain required approvals:
- Signature of the County Emergency Management Coordinator
- Signature of the Director of the State Office of Emergency Management
- Attach supporting documents:
- Copy of the vehicle registration
- Copy of the lease agreement/contract (if the vehicle is leased)
- Letter of request from the municipality
- Submit the completed package to the Business Licensing Services Bureau:
P.O. Box 168
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0168
Phone: (609) 292-6500 ext. 5095 (or ext. 5014, option 6 for general light permit questions)
Red light permits have no fee. Processing times can vary; contact the MVC Business Licensing Services for current status updates.
Why the Red Light Permit Matters for Municipal OEM Coordinators?
In New Jersey, Municipal OEM Coordinators are responsible for local emergency planning, coordination with county and state agencies, and rapid response during incidents such as hurricanes, floods, power outages, or public health emergencies. Having a legally authorized red light helps them navigate traffic more safely when responding to real emergencies, improving overall community preparedness and response times.
Always operate emergency equipment strictly within the rules on Form BLC-50 and applicable New Jersey statutes (including N.J.S.A. 39:3-50 and related administrative codes) to avoid penalties or permit revocation.
Additional Resources and Contact Information
- Official Form Download: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/about/BLC-50.pdf
- NJ MVC Light Permits Overview: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/business/lightpermits.htm
- All MVC Forms (Special Light Permits section): https://nj.gov/mvc/about/forms.htm
- Business Licensing Services Bureau: (609) 292-6500 ext. 5014 (option 6) or ext. 5095
For the most current information, always refer directly to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website, as forms and procedures can be updated.