The Ministry of Justice has issued a stern warning over the increasing misuse of vehicle sirens by unauthorized individuals, describing the practice as illegal and a threat to public safety, traffic order, and the integrity of emergency services.
In a formal communication, the Ministry said it has observed with serious concern the growing tendency of private individuals and non-emergency officials to install and use sirens for non-emergency purposes, including unlawfully clearing traffic and asserting improper right-of-way on public roads. The Ministry stressed that such actions are clear violations of Liberia’s Vehicle and Traffic Law.
The Ministry reminded the public that the installation and operation of sirens on motor vehicles are strictly regulated under Title 38 of the Liberian Code of Laws Revised, specifically Chapter 6, Section 6.21. Under the law, only authorized police vehicles, fire service vehicles, and other duly designated emergency or official vehicles are permitted to be equipped with sirens.
It further clarified that sirens may only be used in genuine emergency situations, such as responding to fire alarms, emergency calls, the immediate pursuit of suspected offenders, or other lawful emergency operations.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” the Ministry emphasized, “siren privileges are not conferred by public office, rank, or status.” Ministers, legislators, judges, heads of government agencies, political appointees, private security escorts, and private citizens are not authorized to install or use sirens unless their vehicles clearly fall within the categories provided for by law.
According to the Ministry, only vehicles expressly recognized under the Vehicle and Traffic Law, or those specifically authorized by the Ministry of Justice in accordance with statutory provisions, may legally install and operate sirens. No institution or individual, it said, may assume this privilege outside the law.
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, reaffirmed its resolve to strictly enforce the Vehicle and Traffic Law. It warned that violators will face immediate enforcement actions, including citation, seizure of illegally installed sirens, fines, prosecution, and other penalties prescribed by law.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have been instructed to enforce these regulations without exception.
The Ministry concluded by reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that emergency privileges remain reserved strictly for lawful and legitimate use.
