Which symbol are headlights on?
A small headlight icon on the dashboard is the indicator that headlights are active. The exact design varies, but the symbol is consistently a stylized lamp with light rays, used to show low-beam, high-beam, or automatic headlight modes.
Headlight indicators differ by manufacturer, but they all revolve around a headlamp silhouette with rays. The most common distinction is between low-beam (dipped) headlights and high-beam (main) headlights, with some cars also showing an automatic-headlights icon. Colors and exact shapes can vary by region and brand, so consult your vehicle’s manual for your specific symbol.
Common headlight indicators on dashboards
Below are the typical icons you may encounter to indicate headlights are in use or available in automatic mode:
- Low-beam (dipped) headlights: a headlamp symbol with a few short lines slanting downward from the lamp. This is the standard indicator that normal headlights are active.
- High-beam (main) headlights: a headlamp symbol with more lines projecting forward, often shown in blue when active in many cars.
- Automatic headlights: a headlamp symbol paired with the letter A, indicating the system will switch headlights on automatically based on light conditions.
These icons help drivers confirm which lighting mode is engaged. The exact color and style can vary by vehicle, but the underlying idea is the same: a headlight silhouette with rays signals headlights status.
Color, design variations, and regional differences
The color of the indicator is commonly green/white for normal operation and blue for high-beam in many modern vehicles. Some manufacturers use amber or different hues for warnings or other lighting states. Icon shapes can differ slightly across brands and regions, so it’s wise to check your owner’s manual for the precise symbol used in your car.
When to consult the manual or seek help
If you encounter a symbol you don’t recognize or if headlights don’t illuminate as expected, refer to the vehicle’s manual or the vehicle’s help/infotainment system. A quick lookup in the manual will map the exact icon to your car’s lighting modes.
What to do if you’re unsure which symbol you’re seeing
Take a moment to verify the icon against your car’s lighting controls. Some cars place the headlight symbol near the instrument cluster, while others use an on-screen indicator in the digital display. If in doubt, test the lighting by turning headlights on and off to observe which symbol responds.
Summary
The headlights-on indicator is a dashboard headlamp icon. Its exact design varies by vehicle, with low-beam, high-beam, and automatic-headlights variants commonly used. Color and styling differences exist across brands, so when in doubt, check your owner’s manual to identify the precise symbol for your car.
