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The Basics on LED Warning Lights for Vehicles

How much do you know about LED warning lights for vehicles?

Millions of people across the country use LED vehicle lights in the course of their work duties, so there’s a good chance you’ve seen them in use out on the road. But, the reason a vehicle has been equipped with warning lights isn’t always obvious.

If you’ve ever seen a car, truck or SUV with flashing or rotating LEDs and wondered about the purpose – or if you’ve been asking yourself if you should invest in LED lighting for your personal vehicle – the following informational guide should answer your questions.

Reasons to Equip a Vehicle with LED Warning Lights

When mounted to a vehicle, LED lighting performs several functions. People use warning lights to:

  • Increase visibility – Often, those who use LED warning lights need the illumination they provide to properly complete their work.
  • Improve safety – With the brightness of LED lighting, workers have an easier time staying safe while out on the job.
  • Create awareness – When outfitted with LED lights, a vehicle commands notice from others out on the road.

In addition, flashing or rotating LEDs can help distinguish between vehicles driven by members of the general public and those out on official work tasks. Drivers know to slow down and move over when they see vehicles with warning lights.

Professionals Who Use LED Vehicle Warning Lights

LED lighting is used for a range of official purposes. Law enforcement officers, volunteer firefighters and EMTs often equip their vehicles with warning lights, of course, but they’re also standard in several other professions:

  • Construction – Workers frequently need additional illumination at the job site, and LED warning lights also alert drivers to approach with caution.
  • Towing – As they need to pull large loads, tow truck drivers use LED lights to let others know their vehicles may accelerate and move more slowly.
  • Auto repair – LED lighting assists repair specialists when they need to stop at the side of the road to swap out a flat tire or work on a broken-down vehicle.
  • Security – Companies tasked with patrolling private properties, such as malls and parking lots, routinely use vehicle lighting for better visibility.
  • Utilities – Service trucks need clearance from other motorists as well as illumination for the technicians to perform their work, and LEDs provide both.
  • Road maintenance – Snow plows and salt trucks require vehicle lighting, as they move at slow speeds and their operation requires other drivers to steer clear

Other people – including farmers and off-roaders – also commonly outfit vehicles with LED lighting. However, their use is generally only legal on private property, not out on public roads.

Keep in mind, too, that the list above is not complete. Vehicle warning lights have many other applications, and if you need instant illumination in an area where there’s insufficient lighting, LEDs are the best choice. In terms of brightness, durability, reliability, efficiency and lifespan, LED lights for vehicles are far superior to traditional lighting options – and experts agree, they’re a practical, cost-effective solution

Types of LED Warning Lights for Vehicles

If you’re thinking about investing in LED lighting, you have a number of options. To ensure you can see — and that others out on the road see your vehicle – you may want to install one or more of the following:

Visor Lights

With sleek housing, these low-profile LEDs mount to your windshield or sun visor, hidden from view until you turn them on.

Dash Lights

Powerful suction cups hold these LEDs in place on your dashboard or windshield, and you can stash them away when not in use.

Beacon Lights

A compact option you can use and remove as needed, a beacon attaches to your vehicle rooftop with strong magnets.\

Grill Lights

Nearly invisible when not in use, these LEDs can be placed on your vehicle’s grill, dashboard or bumper.

Light Bars

Mounted with brackets on the rooftop or rear of a vehicle, light bars are fully weatherproof and come in lengths of up to 60 inches.

Running Board Lights

For vehicles with running boards, LEDs designed to fit neatly into the recessed grooves of the steps are easy to install.

Which LED Warning Lights Meet Your Needs?

LED lights for vehicles come in a variety of configurations and styles, with multiple flash patterns and either standardized clear lenses or customizable colors. To determine which types of lighting are right for you, consider the following questions:

What are the local laws on vehicle lighting?

Before you make any decisions, check with your local law enforcement agency to find out about any rules regarding the use of vehicle warning lights. Regulations vary, and the statues in your area may prohibit you from installing or using certain types or colors of LED warning lights.

How much illumination do you need?

While some people take the more-is-better approach when it comes to onboard lighting, too many LEDs could visually impair other drivers – and you certainly don’t want to be the cause of an accident. Decide whether you need to illuminate the path of your vehicle, 360 degrees of visibility or both, and be practical about the number of lights you install.

Are you willing to modify your vehicle?

Some people have no problem permanently mounting LED warning lights to their vehicles, while others cringe at the idea. Which side of the fence you fall on will affect your choices, as some use removable suction cups or magnets while others have bolt-and-lock fasteners that securely attach.

What’s your budget for LED lighting?

Price is always important, and some lighting options are less expensive than others. However, you can use high-quality LED warning lights for multiple hours every single day and they’ll continue to function for many years – so, paying a bit more to get the features you want and need can make good sense.

Shopping for LED Warning Lights

Choosing the right lighting solution for your vehicle can be a challenge. If you need assistance or advice, turn to LED Equipped.

We offer a vast selection of affordable, high-quality LED warning lights for vehicles, all of which are backed by a 3-year warranty. Our catalog only includes products from the world’s leading brands and manufacturers, lighting that features groundbreaking technologies, durable construction and superior performance.

At LED Equipped, we frequently supply law enforcement agencies, fire departments, ambulance fleets, towing services, utility providers and construction companies with LED warning lights. With us, you can count on getting the same first-rate products professionals across the country rely on.

Many people aren’t quite sure which LED warning lights best meet their needs, and the LED Equipped team is always happy to help out. Our friendly, knowledgeable associates can answer your questions, explain your options and guide you toward the ideal lighting solution.

Shopping with LED Equipped is a smart move. We have an A+ rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau – and we’re also Shopper Approved, with nearly 800 customer reviews and 4.6 out of five stars. Other lighting suppliers don’t have these credentials, and they can’t match our commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

Browse our online catalog of products today, and feel free to pick up the phone and give us a call if you have questions or need assistance. At LED Equipped, we want you to be pleased with your purchase of LED warning lights for vehicles, and we’ll do whatever we can to make that happen.