The orange lights on a car are officially called amber lights. They are a specific category of vehicle lighting designed for visibility and signaling, distinct from red (brake/tail) and white (headlights) lights. Their primary purpose is to warn other drivers of your intentions or presence without implying a stop, making them critical for safety.
You'll find amber lights in several key locations:
- Turn Signals: The most common amber lights, located at the front, rear, and sometimes on the side mirrors. They blink to indicate a turn or lane change.
- Side Marker Lights: These small, steady lights on the front and rear sides of the vehicle make the car's position and width more visible at intersections and in low-light conditions.
- Hazard Lights: When activated, all turn signal lights flash simultaneously in amber to indicate the vehicle is stopped or is a temporary road hazard.
The use of amber is not arbitrary; it's heavily regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and similar bodies globally. Amber was chosen because its wavelength is highly visible in various weather conditions, including fog and rain, and is easily distinguishable from red. While some classic cars might have red turn signals, all modern vehicles sold in the U.S. must have amber lights at the front for turn signals. If you see an amber light illuminated on your dashboard instead of the exterior, that’s a warning light indicating a potential issue with the vehicle that you should check.
