What does the parking light symbol look like?

The parking light symbol is usually a small lamp icon visible on the dashboard or the headlight switch. It’s typically green or amber and may appear in a few different shapes depending on the car, but it always points to a compact exterior light used when a vehicle is parked.

Common designs and where you’ll see them

Here are the most common representations used to indicate the parking light function on dashboards and controls.

• A small headlamp icon with a few short lines radiating from it, often the most recognizable symbol for parking lights on the instrument panel.


• A circular badge or button featuring the letter “P” near a lamp icon, used by some brands to label the parking-light position on the switch.


• A minimal pair of tiny lamp symbols or dots with light rays, appearing on some controls as a simplified parking-light indicator.


• In a few models, a plain circular icon with the letter “P” inside or beside a lamp graphic, used on the switch or cluster.

Because there isn’t a single universal design, the exact look can vary by make and model. The important point is that the icon denotes the parked-light function rather than full headlights.

How to identify the symbol on your car

To confirm the parking-light symbol on your vehicle, refer to your owner’s manual and visually inspect the switch or dashboard icons when the lights are active.

1. Check the headlight switch or the instrument cluster for a lamp icon and note any adjacent “P” label.


2. Turn the switch to the parking-light position (often a separate notch or ring between off and low-beam settings) and observe the indicator on the dash.


3. Look for a green or amber lit icon on the dash that matches one of the common designs described above.


4. If in doubt, consult the vehicle’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for a model-specific diagram.

Understanding these cues can help you use the feature correctly, especially in regions where parking lights are required by law or common practice when parked near traffic.

Regional variations

Iconography for parking lights varies by region and brand. In Europe and Asia, the symbol is often a dedicated parking-light indicator on the switch or a distinctive lamp icon on the dash. In some North American models, parking lights may be labeled more explicitly with a “P” or integrated into the general headlight control. When in doubt, the owner’s manual is the best reference for your specific model’s iconography.

Summary

The parking light symbol is a small, easily recognizable lamp icon that signals the presence or activation of parking lights. While the exact graphic changes by vehicle, the concept remains constant: a compact exterior lighting cue used when a car is parked. If you’re unsure which icon your car uses, check the manual or the label on the light switch.

How do I turn on the parking light?

To turn on parking lights, find the light switch, which is often on a stalk next to the steering wheel or on the dashboard, and rotate the dial or press the button to the position that shows a symbol for parking lights (usually two semi-circles facing opposite directions). Some vehicles may require you to turn off the engine first, and some have a separate switch to activate only one side of the parking lights when parked on the roadside.
 
This video demonstrates how to turn on parking lights and when to use them: 59sDrivers Ed Direct Driving SchoolYouTube · Nov 30, 2023
For most modern cars

1. Locate the light controls: Find the light switch, which is usually a rotating dial on the dashboard or the end of the indicator (turn signal) stalk on the steering column. 
2. Identify the symbol: Look for the parking light symbol, which often resembles two semi-circles facing opposite directions with lines behind them. 
3. Turn the switch: Rotate the dial to the parking light position. The symbol will show you the correct setting. 
4. Activate headlights: If your parking lights are not automatically turning on, you may need to turn the switch one more click to engage the headlights, which often includes the parking lights. 

You can watch this video to learn how to turn on and use car lights, including parking lights: 0:22safe.driving.for.lifeTikTok · Oct 20, 2023
For roadside parking

1. Turn off the engine: Turn off the car's engine. 
2. Activate the specific side: Some cars have a separate feature for roadside parking. To activate it, you may need to push the indicator stalk up or down while it's in the "off" position. This will turn on only the front and rear lights on the side the car is parked on, making it visible to other drivers. 
3. Check for the indicator: A dashboard icon or an indicator on the stalk will show you if the roadside parking lights are on. 
4. Turn them off: To turn them off, simply push the stalk in the opposite direction or move it back to the "off" position. 

Which light is your parking light?

Parking lights, also known as sidelights, are external automotive lights installed in a vehicle's front and rear corners. These automotive lights typically have white or amber lenses in front and red lenses at the rear.

What is the symbol for parking lights on a car?

The symbol for parking lights is typically two semi-circles facing away from each other, with three radiating lines on each side to represent light beams. This icon can be found on your car's light control switch or dial and is distinct from the headlight symbol, which shows a similar light bulb icon but with rays pointing downward.
 

• Symbol appearance: Two semi-circles facing outwards, with three lines on each side that suggest light rays. 
• Location: On the light control stalk on the steering column or on the dashboard. 
• Function: It activates the smaller, less bright lights at the front and rear of your car, which are designed to make a parked vehicle more visible. 

What is the symbol of park light?

The parking lights symbol is usually two small semi-circles facing in opposite directions. Each will likely have three lines coming from them to symbolise light, too. Automatic headlights won't leave parking lights on, as they only control the dipped beams. You'll need to set this yourself.