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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 31. Virginia Emergency Medical Services Regulations
11/24/2025

12VAC5-31-790. EMS vehicle letter restrictions and specifications.

A. The EMS agency name must appear in lettering larger than any optional lettering on an EMS vehicle, other than "Ambulance," the unit identification number, or any lettering on the roof. Optional lettering, logos, or emblems may not appear on an EMS vehicle in a manner that interferes with the public's ability to readily identify the EMS agency to which the EMS vehicle is permitted.

1. Additional lettering, logos, or emblems must not advertise or imply a specified patient care level (i.e., Advanced Life Support Unit) unless the EMS vehicle is so equipped at all times.

2. The terms "Paramedic" or "Paramedical" may only be used when the EMS vehicle is both equipped and staffed by a state-certified paramedic at all times.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, an EMS vehicle of a combination fire department and EMS agency operating under a single EMS agency license, in accordance with established policies for identifying both the EMS agency license holder and the fire department, may display a fire department logo or lettering larger than the lettering identifying the EMS agency name.

C. A nontransport response vehicle with a primary purpose as a fire apparatus or law-enforcement vehicle is not required to comply with the specifications for vehicle marking and lettering, provided the vehicle is appropriately marked and lettered to identify it as an authorized emergency vehicle.

D. An unmarked vehicle operated by an EMS agency is not eligible for issuance of an EMS vehicle permit except a vehicle used and operated by law-enforcement personnel.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012; Volume 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.

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