Monrovia – The Ministry of Justice has issued a stern warning against the misuse of sirens on Liberian roads, clarifying that no office, rank, or position automatically entitles anyone to install or operate sirens.
By Jaheim T. Tumu – [email protected]
In a statement signed by Director of Press and Public Affairs, Jutonu Kollie, the Ministry emphasized that “siren privileges are not attached to public office, rank, status, or position.”
“Ministers, legislators, judges, heads of agencies, political appointees, private security escorts, and private citizens are not authorized to install or use sirens unless their vehicles fall squarely within the categories provided by law,” the statement read.
The Ministry warned that it will strictly enforce Title 38, Chapter 6, Section 6.21 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
“Any person found installing, operating, or using a siren contrary to the law will face immediate enforcement action, including citation, seizure of unlawful equipment, fines, prosecution, and any other penalties provided by law,” Kollie said.
Law enforcement authorities nationwide have been directed to act “without exception”, ensuring that emergency privileges remain reserved for lawful and legitimate use.
The Ministry expressed “serious concern” over the growing misuse of sirens by unauthorized individuals. It noted that sirens are increasingly being used for “purposes unrelated to emergency response, including unlawful clearing of traffic and the assertion of improper road priority.”
Such conduct, the Ministry stressed, violates the Vehicle and Traffic Law and undermines public safety, traffic discipline, and the credibility of legitimate emergency services.
Under Liberian law, only police vehicles, fire service vehicles, and other duly designated emergency or official vehicles may be equipped with sirens. Their use is restricted to lawful emergencies, including responding to fire alarms, emergency calls, immediate pursuit of suspected offenders, and other legitimate emergency operations.
The Ministry clarified that vehicles expressly recognized under the Vehicle and Traffic Law, or those specifically authorized by the Ministry of Justice, may install and operate sirens.
“No individual, office, or institution may assume or exercise this privilege outside the statutory framework,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Ministry concluded: “The Ministry of Justice remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that emergency privileges are preserved strictly for lawful and legitimate use.”
