Law enforcement vehicles use colored lights to communicate different messages while on patrol or responding to calls. Police vehicle lighting is standardized across jurisdictions to promote safety and avoid confusion. Knowing the meaning behind police light colors can help motorists and pedestrians understand what actions to take when police cars have their lights activated.
Red Police Lights
The color red is universally associated with stopping or yielding right of way. Red lights on police vehicles indicate the following:
- Police unit is stopped and parked
- Police unit is blocking traffic at an accident scene or other road closure
- Suspect vehicle should pull over and stop
When an officer activates the red lights on their patrol car, vehicles that can safely do so must pull to the right side of the road and stop. Failing to yield to red police lights can result in a traffic ticket or arrest depending on the jurisdiction.
Blue Police Lights
The color blue is used on police units to indicate an emergency response or potentially hazardous situation. Blue lights convey the following when illuminated on a law enforcement vehicle:
- Officer is responding to an emergency call
- Driver should safely yield right-of-way to the police car
- Proceed with caution near the police vehicle
Blue lights are typically used in conjunction with sirens and flashing headlights to request that motorists clear a path. Speeding up to unsafe speeds when seeing blue lights is not recommended. Instead, carefully move to the right and stop if needed to allow the police unit to pass safely.
Amber Police Lights
Amber or yellow lights on a police vehicle indicate the following:
- Proceed with caution near the patrol car
- Be alert for hazards or changing traffic patterns ahead
- Police unit is conducting a slowdown of traffic
- Often used at accident scenes, traffic stops, and to lead motorcades
Amber lights are warning lights, so drivers should be prepared to slow down or stop when approaching a police vehicle displaying them. Caution and reduced speeds are recommended if you see an officer with amber lights activated while parked roadside.
White Police Lights
White lights on police units are commonly seen in the following situations:
- Leading a funeral procession
- Part of standard emergency vehicle lighting systems
- Scene lighting at nighttime traffic stops or accidents
- Take-down lights for illuminating areas or suspects
Solid white lighting is used to see and be seen more clearly in low visibility conditions. Flashing headlights along with white spotlight takedown lights are used to alert a pursued vehicle to pull over.
Green Police Lights
The color green has the following associations on law enforcement vehicles:
- Indicates a command rank vehicle with a high-ranking police official on board
- Marks volunteer firefighters’ personal vehicles responding to a call
- Displayed on vehicles allowed access to restricted traffic zones
Green lights on police and fire units are less common than the standard red, blue, and amber colors. They serve specialized purposes within departments. Motorists typically do not need to react differently when seeing green emergency lights.
Police Vehicle Lighting Exceptions
While the meanings ascribed to standard police light colors are fairly consistent, some exceptions and additional uses exist:
- Unmarked police cars may use flashing headlights or temporary magnetic lights
- Undercover units do not display emergency lights
- Funeral escorts may use purple warning lights in some states
- Construction vehicles may display flashing yellow or green lights in work zones
Additionally, police units responding to emergency calls may briefly use any color lights necessary to safely direct traffic and clear the way. The lights’ colors help surrounding motorists and pedestrians understand the officer’s intended actions and how to respond appropriately.
Lighting Systems on Police Vehicles
Modern police cars, SUVs, and motorcycles utilize integrated emergency lighting systems to display colored lights when needed. These systems consist of:
- Roof-mounted lightbar with multiple colored flashers
- Grille, hood, or fender lights
- Rear window, tail light, brake light flashers
- Rear deck emergency lights
- Side mirror lights
- Dash and console-mounted control panels
- Siren speaker(s)
- Scene spotlights and takedown lights
- Perimeter hazard lights
Officers can activate various colored lights as needed using switches or touchscreens in their vehicle. For instance, rear red lights may be activated while stationary or blocking traffic, while blue and amber lights flash in front when responding to calls.
Police Vehicle Light Bar Configurations
There are several common emergency lightbar configurations used on police cars and trucks. These positions maximize officers’ ability to signal other motorists and be seen in traffic:
| Lightbar Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Roof-mounted | Full-width lightbar mounted on roof for 360° visibility |
| Windshield visor | Small centered lightbar on front window visor |
| Grille or push bumper | Lights mounted in or on front grille assembly |
| Rear window | Flashing lights concealed in rear glass |
Roof and visor light bars provide the most visibility to other drivers. Grille, bumper, or rear window lights supplement the forward and rear lighting.
Conclusion
When you see a police car’s lights come on behind you or approach from the opposite direction, check the color and follow the appropriate protocol. Red means stop, blue means yield, and amber means slow down and use caution. Understanding the meanings of police light colors allows motorists and pedestrians to react safely around law enforcement vehicles and emergency response situations.