Vehicle strobe lights are high-intensity flashing lights that are used on vehicles to ensure that other drivers, pedestrians, and bystanders can see the vehicles easily. At SpeedTech Lights, our expert team provides vehicle strobe lights and emergency lighting solutions for a variety of industries and government organizations, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, construction, and towing companies nationwide.
If you need to add lighting to an emergency response vehicle or a work truck, we’re here to help. The first step is to understand how strobe lights work and the proper way to use them, so that you can choose the ideal equipment for your unique needs.
What Are Vehicle Strobe Lights Used For?
Vehicle strobe lights are used for vehicles that are on the scene in emergencies or accidents, or any other situation that requires extra attention to notify other drivers in the area. Strobe lights are also an effective way to help emergency vehicles move quickly through heavy traffic, especially when the lights are paired with sirens.
These strobe lights are also used on police cars to notify drivers that they need to pull over for a routine traffic stop. When the blue and red lights are on and flashing, then the driver in the front car knows that they need to slow down and pull over.
Not only are strobe lights used by emergency professionals and first responders, but construction crews and tow truck drivers often use amber-colored lights on their vehicles as well. When the work trucks are working on the road or stopped on the side of the road, it’s important to notify other drivers in order to minimize the risk of accidents. So, these lights should be turned on while the truck is parked and the team is working, so that other drivers know that something is going on and they can stay out of the way.
Some of the most common uses for vehicle strobe lights include:
- Emergency Vehicles (Police, Fire, EMS): The lights alert traffic that a path needs to be cleared to allow the emergency vehicles to move through as quickly as possible.
- Police Vehicles: The red and blue lights are only used on police vehicles so that drivers know that they need to slow down, move over, or pull over. Police use these lights for traffic stops.
- Construction Crews and Road Workers: Amber lights are an effective solution for increasing visibility on job sites, helping to protect safety for crew members as well as pedestrians and other drivers in the area.
- Tow Truck Operators: Tow trucks need a way to signal road hazards when they are loading cars to tow away. Additionally, these strobe lights can be used while driving to notify other drivers about the larger load.
- Utility and Maintenance Vehicles: Utility crews are often working near roadways and use strobe lights to reduce the risk of accidents and collisions in the area.
How Vehicle Strobe Lights Work
Vehicle strobe lights are designed with LED arrays that deliver rapid, repeated flashes of light. LED strobe lights are the most common type of technology used in our modern world for emergency and warning lighting. This technology is preferred because these lights are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting, offering much more durability than traditional xenon strobes.
The rapid flashing pattern makes the lights highly visible and draws attention. Different flash patterns can be used to signal different levels of urgency, and the light colors help to notify about different types of situations. Choose modern strobe light systems that allow you to select from multiple flash modes based on the current circumstances.
Features of Strobe Lights for Vehicles
When you need strobe lights for your vehicle, it’s important to understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every vehicle. Some of the light bars are built with various flashing patterns, and it’s simple to use the controller to choose the pattern that works best for your individual needs. At SpeedTech Lights, we make everything customizable so that the lights fit your car and can be adjusted based on the current circumstances.
For example, you can change the brightness and colors of the strobe lights to match the function of the car. Police cars use red, blue, and white lights, and these colors are limited only to emergency vehicles (so they shouldn’t be used on other types of vehicles). Make sure that you understand the local laws in order to determine the right products that should be installed on your car, especially if you are installing these lights on a construction vehicle or tow truck.
Some of the features that you should look for when selecting vehicle strobe lights:
- Flash Patterns: Choose lights with multiple selectable modes (split, quad, pursuit, steady burn, etc.)
- Color Options: The most common colors include red, blue, white, amber, and green.
- Brightness: Measured in lumens. If you need daytime visibility, then choose lights with higher lumens.
- Mounting Style: Consider where the lights will be mounted. Options include mounting on the grille, dash, surface, or integrated light bars.
- Weatherproofing: Check out the IP ratings to determine the resistance to dust and water.
- Power Consumption: LED systems are preferred since they require much lower power levels to run the lights.
Vehicle Strobe Light Laws and Color Regulations by Vehicle Type
Strobe light laws vary by state and municipality, so it is important to verify the regulations in your area before installing vehicle strobe lights. In most jurisdictions, certain light colors are reserved exclusively for authorized emergency vehicles, while other colors are permitted for civilian or commercial use.
General color guidelines are as follows (always verify your local laws):
- Red and Blue: These colors are typically reserved for police and emergency vehicles.
- Red: Fire and EMS vehicles often use red and white lights.
- Amber/Yellow: Commonly used for construction, tow trucks, and utility vehicles.
- White: Is an optimal color used for visibility, but there are certain restrictions depending on how the lights are being used.
- Green: Sometimes used by volunteer firefighters or emergency management personnel.
Keep in mind that if you don’t comply with local regulations, then it can result in fines, and you will likely need to remove the non-compliant lighting. So, always make sure that you know which colors are legal for your vehicle type or location. If you need help choosing light colors, then our team at SpeedTech Lights can help you identify the best products for your needs.
How to Choose the Right Strobe Lights for Your Vehicle
When you are choosing the vehicle strobe lights, consider your vehicle type, where you will be using the lights, and the local regulations that need to be followed. For example, emergency vehicles have different requirements than construction trucks or tow trucks.
Here are a few things to consider when selecting strobe lights for your vehicle:
- Vehicle Type: What type of vehicle are you installing the lights on? (police, fire, EMS, construction, tow)
- Color Restrictions: What colors are legally permitted for your vehicle type? Make sure that you are following local laws.
- Operating Conditions: Will the lights be used primarily during daytime, nighttime, or both? The lumens need to be brighter if the strobe lights will be used during the day.
- Light Configuration: Where will the lights be installed? Are you mounting them on the inside or outside of the vehicle? Options include a full light bar, hideaway strobe kit, grille or surface mount lights, or dash lights.
- Mounting Compatibility: What mounting options are compatible with your vehicle? This varies depending on the type of vehicle and where the lights will be installed.
- Certifications: Are there SAE or DOT certification requirements for your vehicle?
Find the Right Vehicle Strobe Lights at SpeedTech Lights
If you need help choosing the right lights for your vehicle, then we invite you to contact our experienced team at SpeedTech Lights. We offer a variety of products to help you customize your car in the perfect way. Call us any time, and we will gladly provide personalized recommendations for your unique needs.
At SpeedTech Lights, we carry a full selection of vehicle strobe lights for law enforcement, fire, EMS, construction, and commercial applications. Some of our most popular products include full-size light bars, tow truck light bars, LED beacon lights, and hideaway strobe kits. Browse our catalog online or reach out to our team for expert guidance on selecting the right lighting solution for your specific vehicle and application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Strobe Lights
Are vehicle strobe lights legal for civilians?
Yes, in most states, civilians can legally use amber or yellow strobe lights on vehicles. These lights are often installed on tow trucks, construction equipment, or slow-moving vehicles. But red and blue lights are restricted to authorized emergency vehicles, so civilians should not place these lights on their private vehicles. Always check your state and local laws before installing strobe lights on any vehicle.
What is the difference between LED strobe lights and traditional strobe lights?
LED strobe lights are designed with light-emitting diodes that produce the flashes. On the other hand, traditional strobe lights use xenon gas tubes. LED units are more energy-efficient and generate less heat. LEDs also last longer and are more resistant to damage related to vibration and shock. These benefits are the many reasons why LED lights are often the preferred choice for most vehicles.
What flash patterns are available for vehicle strobe lights?
Vehicle strobe lights can be programmed with many different flash patterns, including single flash, double flash, triple flash, quad flash, wig-wag, pursuit, and steady burn. We offer modern light bars and strobe units that allow you to switch between patterns as needed.
Do vehicle strobe lights need to meet SAE or DOT standards?
Emergency and warning light vehicles often need to use lights that meet SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards. These requirements specify the minimum performance criteria for light output, flash rate, and visibility. Certain vehicles also need to meet DOT compliance. If you are buying lights for a professional or fleet vehicle, then always verify that the products you choose are designed with the necessary certifications for your intended use.
