Understanding the Terminology of Police Car Lights

When you see the flashing lights on a police car, you might wonder what they are called and why they look the way they do. The lights on top of a police car are actually referred to by a variety of names, depending on the regional or cultural context. Here, we will explore the different terms used and provide some additional information on the technical aspects of these light systems.

Common Terminologies for Police Car Lights

Roof Lights

A common term for these lights is roof lights. This term refers to the entire set of lights mounted on the roof of a police vehicle. Roof lights can consist of a mix of different types of lights, including emergency lights and possibly a light bar.

Overhead Lights

Another term for the lights on top of a police car is overhead lights. This term is often used in a more general sense to encompass all lights, including both the individual lights and the overall assembly.

Red/Blue Lights and Emergency Lights

The lights themselves are typically referred to as red/blue lights or emergency lights. These terms are frequently used interchangeably and are common in everyday usage. When a police officer is responding to an emergency situation, these lights are often turned on to alert other vehicles and pedestrians to their presence and to prioritize traffic flow.

Mars Lights

Mars lights can also refer to the lights on a police car. However, this term is specific and usually describes a single, rotating light. In some regions, this type of light is more commonly referred to as a bubble gum machine light due to its colorful and often rotating design, which somewhat resembles the vending machine of the same name.

The Full Assembly: The Light Bar

Technically, the entire assembly of lights mounted on the roof of a police car is referred to as a light bar. A light bar can be a strip of lights that typically consists of both red and blue lights, as well as possibly other colored lights. These lights are strategically positioned to provide maximum visibility and are often mounted in a way that they can rotate or flash.

Colloquial Terms: "Blues" or "Blue Light Runs"

On a more colloquial level, police officers might refer to the use of these lights as a blue light run. When a police officer is in pursuit or responding to a call, they might say they are on a "blue light run" to emphasize the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.

Understanding these different terms can help you better comprehend the language and culture surrounding police vehicles and their use of lights. Whether you encounter a police car with "red/blue lights," a "light bar," or "blues" on the road, you now have a clearer picture of what these terms mean and how they are used in various contexts.