NJ Form BLC-54A Blue Light Permit CAP Guide

NJ Form BLC-54A Blue Light Permit CAP Guide – Active members of the New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) may legally equip their personal or household vehicles with blue emergency warning lights under specific conditions. The official application is New Jersey Form BLC-54A, issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). This permit supports CAP’s role as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force during authorized emergency operations.

This guide covers eligibility, required documents, how to complete and submit Form BLC-54A, light mounting rules, usage restrictions, and permit validity based on official New Jersey MVC information and N.J.A.C. 13:24-7.

What Is Form BLC-54A?

Form BLC-54A is the official Application for Blue Emergency Warning Light Permit specifically for members of the New Jersey Wing – Civil Air Patrol. It is distinct from the general blue light permit (BLC-54) used by volunteer fire companies, first-aid squads, and rescue units.

The permit is authorized under an agreement between the New Jersey Wing Civil Air Patrol, Inc., and the State of New Jersey dated February 10, 1993, and is governed by N.J.A.C. 13:24 Subchapter 7 (Blue Emergency Warning Lights – Civil Air Patrol).

Red and blue emergency light permits are free of charge. Amber warning light permits carry a $25 fee per vehicle.

Official download link: Download Form BLC-54A (PDF) from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

Eligibility Requirements for the Blue Light Permit

To qualify for a BLC-54A permit, an applicant must:

Be an active member in good standing of a volunteer Civil Air Patrol unit (New Jersey Wing).
Request the permit only for vehicles owned or leased by the applicant or by a member of the applicant’s household.

The lights may be used only when the vehicle is operated to provide emergency services during local or national emergencies declared by the Governor of the State of New Jersey. Any other use is prohibited.

Source: Official Form BLC-54A instructions and N.J.A.C. 13:24-7.1.

How to Complete and Submit Form BLC-54A?

Follow these steps carefully:

Download the current Form BLC-54A from the official NJ MVC website: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/about/BLC-54A.pdf.
Print the form and complete it clearly in ink (PLEASE PRINT).
Provide the date, full name, address, city, county, and ZIP code.
List up to three vehicles with Make, Year, Model, VIN, and Plate Number for each.
Sign the application and include your CAP organization name and address.

Required attachments:

Copy of CAP Form 101 (membership verification).
Copy of the vehicle registration(s) for each vehicle listed.
Copy of the lease agreement or contract if any vehicle is leased.

Mail the completed application and attachments to:

Business Licensing Services Bureau
P.O. Box 168
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0168

Questions: Call (609) 292-6500 ext. 5014 (or ext. 5008 for Spanish assistance). For general light permit information, select option 6 when prompted.

Forms are also listed on the official MVC Forms page under Special Light Permits: NJ MVC Forms.

Blue Light Mounting Specifications

Strict rules apply to how blue emergency warning lights may be installed (N.J.A.C. 13:24-7.3 and Form BLC-54A):

Lights must be removable or permanently attached, of the flashing or revolving type, equipped with a blue lens, and controlled by a switch inside the vehicle, or blue light-bar type.
No more than two emergency warning lights may be installed on a vehicle.
If one light is used: center of the roof, center of the dashboard, or on the front so the top of the light is no higher than the top of the vehicle’s headlights. A low-profile light bar (strobe, halogen, or incandescent) is permitted.
If two lights are used: on the windshield columns (where spotlights are normally mounted) or on either side of the roof at the front of the vehicle directly behind the top of the windshield.
Light elements must be shielded from the direct view of the driver.
Alternating flashing or strobe headlights are prohibited and may not be incorporated into any permitted lighting housing.

Permit Validity, Possession, Cancellation, and Revocation

Permits are valid for four (4) years from the date of issuance and are non-transferable.
The permit must be in the operator’s possession at all times when blue lights are displayed and must be shown upon request by any law enforcement official.
If the holder ceases to be an active member in good standing of the Civil Air Patrol, the permit must be surrendered.
Upon sale, transfer, or disposal of any permitted vehicle, the permit is automatically cancelled.
Surrender cancelled or revoked permits to the Motor Vehicle Commission within ten (10) days.

About the New Jersey Wing Civil Air Patrol

The New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol is the state’s highest CAP echelon and serves as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, it supports search and rescue, disaster relief, aerospace education, and cadet programs across more than 20 squadrons statewide. Authorized blue lights help members respond safely during Governor-declared emergencies.

For CAP membership or unit information, visit the official New Jersey Wing website or contact your local squadron.

Important Reminders and Contact Information

Always use the current official form from nj.gov. Third-party sites may host outdated versions.
Blue lights may only be used during declared local or national emergencies for authorized emergency services.
Failure to follow mounting, usage, or surrender rules can result in permit revocation and potential motor vehicle violations.

Primary contact:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Business Licensing Services Bureau
Phone: (609) 292-6500 ext. 5014
Mailing address: P.O. Box 168, Trenton, NJ 08666-0168

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission resources: