Which vehicle is NOT allowed to be equipped with alternately flashing lights under the Transportation Code?

The choice indicating that a commercial for-hire bus is not allowed to be equipped with alternately flashing lights is based on the regulations outlined in the Transportation Code. Generally, alternately flashing lights are designated for emergency vehicles and specific types of vehicles that require heightened visibility for safety purposes.

School buses, tow trucks under the direction of an officer, and church buses with identifiable markings are all types of vehicles that benefit from having flashing lights to enhance their visibility in various scenarios. For instance, school buses utilize these lights to signal the stopping of traffic during the loading and unloading of children, while tow trucks sometimes use them to caution drivers in roadside assistance situations.

In contrast, a commercial for-hire bus does not typically fall under the same guidelines that justify the use of alternately flashing lights, as its operation is focused on passenger transport without the necessity of emergency signaling. These buses operate in a manner similar to public transit and do not require the same level of visibility enhancement afforded to vehicles tasked with emergency functions or enhanced safety protocols. Therefore, they are not permitted to use alternately flashing lights as outlined in the code.