What are cab lights vs clearance lights?

Cab lights and clearance lights are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to slightly different lighting setups on vehicles, particularly on pickup trucks, RVs, and commercial trucks. The main difference lies in their placement and function, so here's a little more information:

1. Cab Lights:

   • Placement: Cab lights are typically mounted on the roof of the vehicle's cab, near the front. They are often installed in a row, usually toward the front edge of the cab roof. The two main variations are going to be evenly spread across the cab in a row and a bunched formation in the middle of the cab with two on the outside almost like outriggers. Having cab lights up top helps alert other drivers that a truck is on the road. This is especially useful if and when you have cargo in the bed, on the rack, or in tow. 

   • Function: Cab lights serve several functions, including enhancing the visibility of the vehicle, especially at night or in low visibility conditions. They can also provide a distinctive appearance to the vehicle. Whether it is for extra peace of mind when you're on the road or it's the appeal of customization cab lights are a great addition to just about any truck. Whether it's a factory package or a custom build, the aftermarket cab lights are going to enhance your mission. 

   • Visibility: Cab lights are primarily designed to make the vehicle more visible to other motorists, pedestrians, and even aircraft, as they can be seen from a distance. Again, whether you're towing something, have cargo in the bed, or have a loaded rack up top, having cab lights brings attention to your ride, and that's typically a good thing! 

1. Clearance Lights:

   • Placement: Clearance lights, also known as marker lights or identification lights, are typically mounted on the sides and rear of the vehicle. They are placed along the length and width of the vehicle, often at specific intervals, to indicate its dimensions. For some this is a legal/regulatory requirement (which is usually factory) but for others side markers are just a smart choice to bring visibility to your truck while looking awesome and all around badass generally. 

   • Function: Clearance lights are primarily used to indicate the size and shape of the vehicle, especially when it exceeds certain size or weight parameters. They help other drivers gauge the vehicle's width and length. As noted above, sometimes this is required and other times it's a smart choice that looks great! 

   • Visibility: Clearance lights are designed to be visible from various angles to provide a clear indication of the vehicle's size and to improve safety, especially when driving at night or in adverse weather conditions. It's all about peace of mind and increasing your chances of being seen by others. Whether this visibility is a function of legal necessity or the necessity of being a badass, clearance lights and side markers are an awesome choice. 

In summary, cab lights are usually concentrated on the roof of the vehicle's cab and primarily serve to enhance visibility and aesthetics. On the other hand, clearance lights are typically distributed along the sides and rear of the vehicle, indicating its size and shape to other road users, especially when it is oversized or carrying wide loads. While these terms are often used interchangeably, their specific functions and placement can vary depending on the vehicle and its intended use. But for the most part it's a lot like the square vs rectangle. All cab lights are clearance lights but not all clearance lights are cab lights. 

If you want cab lights or clearance lights aftermarket the main barrier to getting them on your ride is the ridiculous installation process required to connect the light wires to the car battery. That's where we come in. No need to drill holes or rewire your vehicle or risk mold, rust, water damage, or short circuiting your vehicle with Spirit Fire Lights. 

And, it's probably a good idea for us to mention: 

It's important to note that cab lights are not standard equipment on all pickup trucks and are often added as aftermarket accessories. The specific regulations regarding the installation of cab lights can vary from one location to another, so it's advisable to consult local and state regulations or seek professional installation when adding cab lights to your pickup truck to ensure compliance with safety and visibility standards.

All that said, Spirit Fire Lights offers a solar powered and wireless cab light that won't damage your paint and does not require drilling holes in your precious cab. We give you the customized look you want without sacrificing the integrity of the vehicle. Sure, we're on the pricey side as far as lights but you can easily install them yourself and don't need to waste $700+ on installation at a garage.