Why does Quincy’s coroner’s vehicle sometimes have a red light and other times a yellow one?

In various episodes of Quincy, M.E., the coroner’s wagon or station wagon Quincy drives is shown with either a red rotating beacon or a yellow one. What’s the reason behind this inconsistency?

This is one of those fun production details that sharp-eyed fans love to spot — and it reflects both real-world protocols and behind-the-scenes TV decisions.

In reality, emergency vehicle light colors are regulated differently from state to state. Since Quincy, M.E. was set in California, the red beacon light would typically indicate an authorized emergency vehicle — like police, fire, or certain medical responders — whereas amber or yellow lights are generally used for non-emergency vehicles or those needing caution (like utility trucks or official county vehicles that aren’t granted full emergency status).

Now, Quincy often operated in a grey area. While he wasn’t law enforcement or paramedic personnel, he was a high-ranking official in the L.A. County Coroner’s Office, responding to active crime scenes and emergencies — often faster than the police! In some episodes, especially those with higher-stakes urgency or political tension, the vehicle was shown with a red light, emphasizing his role as an emergency responder. In other episodes, particularly in earlier seasons or when the tone leaned more procedural than dramatic, the amber/yellow light appears, aligning more with a civil service vehicle.

Behind the scenes, it likely came down to which vehicle was available for filming and what the script called for. Universal’s prop department had multiple vehicles, and continuity was sometimes sacrificed for scheduling or budget reasons. Plus, the producers may have adjusted the light color based on evolving traffic laws or to avoid confusing audiences who might associate red lights strictly with law enforcement.

Bottom line? The light color changed depending on the dramatic need of the episode, local California vehicle code interpretations, and the production’s access to specific cars during filming. Another charming inconsistency that makes revisiting Quincy, M.E. all the more interesting for fans!