Ambulance as an art car..?

--Ever-- · Post by **--Ever--** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 6:38 pm

I've had a growing idea for an art car that uses an ambulance as a foundation. I'm curious to find out what kind of laws and regulations are in effect in CA and NV regarding owning and operating such a vehicle. Basically, I wonder if there's rules surrounding ambulances similar to those for police cars, mainly in regards to impersonation, perhaps along the lines of not using sirens to pass through red lights and so fourth.

Any info and advice would be much appreciated.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 6:59 pm

The CA vehicle code is online, but the best people to ask might be auto wrecking yard operators.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:57 pm

I think ambulances make a great RV base and there are some interesting art cars using them, but most of them no longer meet the "disguising the base vehicle" rule.

On the street, intent to impersonate is the only enforceable law, but you should make yourself aware of any laws in the area.
California in particular has laws that make no sense whatsoever, so educate yourself.
Police cars are a much more touchy area, but if you use signal devices on an ambulance in traffic, you'll get pulled over.
If you get asked if you are an ambulance, say no.
Clearly marking it or leaving ambulance labels off is another way to avoid issues.

You can make a hell of an alarm system out of the fittings.
Leaving the lights white or an unusual color may be a good idea too.
White is the most visible anyway.

Look for Buell horns and the better ambulance chassis that meet safety regs and are well made.

There are specific rules on the playa about having a vehicle that misleads people into thinking it's an ambulance.
I don't think that is too difficult to avoid though.

--Ever-- · Post by **--Ever--** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:04 pm

Thanks much Gyre. Many of your points are indeed in-line with my own thoughts. I'll be sure to PM you updates if I continue with the idea.

Intubater69 · Post by **Intubater69** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:11 pm

In Michigan alot of general contractors use old ambolances as portable "shops". They usually change out the red lights to white and remove all of the old stickers. I would assume that one should also remove the star of life from the roof, and prob. the siren as well. They are equipped with inverters so it's easy to power some ac toys.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:51 pm

There was an art car ambulance at Apok this year. I think he only had to remove the lights, there was a little gossip about how little he had to do. This is based in Nevada, and was actually bought from Gerlach.