Full Size Light Bars
What Are Full Size LED Light Bars?
Full size roof light bars built for wide warning coverage
A full size LED light bar is a roof mounted emergency vehicle light bar designed to deliver 360-degree warning coverage with high visibility output across the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. These are commonly chosen when a smaller warning light bar is not enough for highway response, busy intersections, convoy visibility, or fleet standard deployments where maximum presence matters.
Built for emergency response and work fleets
Full size light bars are used as police light bars, fire truck light bars, EMS light bars, and ambulance light bars. They are also widely used as construction light bars, tow truck warning light bars, utility light bars, and security light bars for vehicles that work roadside scenes and job sites. Many agencies and contractors standardize these as full size emergency light bars when they want consistent roofline coverage across a mixed fleet.
Key Features and Benefits of Our Full Size Light Bars
Professional grade build for daily fleet duty
Full size roof light bars are designed for real vehicle use with rugged housings, impact-resistant lenses, and weather sealing that holds up to rain, road spray, vibration, and temperature swings. Many models are available in a low profile or slim housing that sits closer to the roofline for a cleaner install and reduced wind resistance and wind noise, while still delivering full-size warning coverage. These are roof mounted light bars intended for secure, long-term installs.
Warning visibility that reads from more angles
Many buyers searching strobe light bar, LED strobe light bar, or LED flashing light bar want more than "bright head-on." Full size bars are chosen because they are built for off axis warning, helping provide stronger intersection coverage and clearer visibility from multiple approach angles during lane changes and roadside operations.
Optics options that match how you drive and where you work
Many models in this category use TIR optics or linear reflector style optics. TIR optics typically emphasize a more focused output, while reflector style designs often support a wider spread for broader warning angles. The best choice depends on your environment, such as highway response, city traffic, or job sites where vehicles approach from multiple directions.
Color Options and Lighting Modes
Single color and split color configurations
Full size LED light bars are commonly offered in red, blue, white or clear, amber, and green configurations depending on agency authorization and work fleet requirements. If you are comparing a dual color light bar or a multi color light bar, confirm the color change method and authorized color use on the product listing.
Strobe, flashing, and warning patterns people actually shop for
Many shoppers use terms like warning light bar, strobe bar, strobe light bars, and flashing light bar when they mean an emergency light bar with programmable patterns. Product pages list the available flash patterns, how they are changed, and whether features like pattern memory are included for that specific model. Look for programmable flash patterns, multiple flash patterns, and pattern memory where supported.
Color guidance for authorized emergency and work vehicle use
Red and blue are commonly selected for authorized emergency response vehicles where permitted. Amber is widely used for construction, tow, utility, DOT style fleets, and roadway support vehicles focused on caution and scene warning. Always verify local and state requirements for authorized colors and on road use. Common configurations include a red LED light bar, a red and blue light bar for authorized response use where permitted, and an amber strobe light bar for construction, tow, utility, and roadway safety fleets.
Installation Types and Mounting Options
Roof mounting for stability and long term use
Most full size light bars are installed as a permanent roof mount. Many models support gutter mounting where applicable and certain vehicles may require vehicle specific bracket solutions depending on roof shape and mounting points. Proper mounting is a key reason full size bars are preferred for fleet installs and highway response.
Hardwired installs and cigarette plug power on select models
Some bars are designed for hardwired installation to support fleet grade reliability and clean wiring. Select models offer cigarette lighter plug power for simpler installs. Each product listing specifies the exact power and wiring setup so you can match your install requirements before ordering. These bars are designed for standard 12V vehicle electrical systems; confirm wiring requirements and current draw on the product listing.
Control methods and switch box compatibility
Some models include a controller or control panel for power, pattern changes, and feature switching, while many setups can also integrate with customer supplied switch boxes for consolidated fleet control. Where supported, fleet installers may also configure pattern synchronization across multiple warning lights for a cleaner, consistent signal. If you are shopping for a police light bar for sale for multiple vehicles, consistent control methods across the fleet reduce training time and install variability.
Choosing the Right Full Size LED Light Bar
Pick the right length for your roof and vehicle profile
Length is one of the biggest fitment and coverage factors for a roof light bar. Use these quick guidelines:
- 37 inch light bar for compact rooflines and tighter cab widths
- 40 inch light bar for common patrol and SUV fitments
- 47 inch and 48 inch light bar for maximum roof coverage on trucks and larger SUVs
If you are searching light bar for truck roof, truck roof light bar, or roof light bar for truck, length and mounting points are the first decision that prevents returns.
Measure your roof mounting area and confirm mounting points before selecting size.
Mounting options for full size roof installs
Most full size bars are installed as a permanent roof mount for stability at highway speeds. Many models support gutter mounting where applicable, and some vehicles require vehicle specific bracket solutions based on roof shape and mounting points. Confirm the mount style and included hardware on the product listing before ordering.
Controls, wiring, and power for fleet installs
Install requirements vary by model. Some bars are hardwired for fleet grade reliability, while select models offer cigarette plug power for simpler installs. Many setups integrate with controllers or customer supplied switch boxes, and pattern synchronization is available where supported. These bars are designed for standard 12V vehicle electrical systems; confirm wiring requirements and current draw on the product listing.
Optics and coverage for intersection visibility
Many models use TIR optics or reflector style optics. TIR designs tend to concentrate output, while reflector designs often support broader spread for off-axis warning and stronger intersection visibility. Full size bars are chosen when you need wide, readable warning coverage around the vehicle.
Choose rear signaling features for roadside and traffic control
Traffic advisor and directional signaling are important for tow, construction, utility, and roadway support fleets managing lanes and roadside scenes. Traffic advisor capability is available on select models in this category and may include directional or arrow-style patterns intended to guide traffic during roadside operations. If rear directional signaling is a priority, choose a model that lists traffic advisor functions explicitly in its feature set.
Decide if you need takedown and alley lighting
Some models include takedown and alley lighting and some support separate control of those functions. If you need independent takedown and alley switching, confirm the feature set and control behavior on the specific product listing, especially if you are integrating with a switch box.
Use Cases and Vehicle Compatibility
Police patrol cars, SUVs, and command vehicles
For police light bar searches, buyers shopping for police lights or police car lights typically prioritize roofline fit, clear multi angle visibility, and stable mounting. Full size bars are a standard choice for marked patrol and supervisory vehicles where presence and visibility matter.
Fire command, EMS, rescue, and ambulance applications
Fire and medical services shopping a fire truck light bar often prioritize recognition at distance and clear intersection warning. Full size roof light bars support high visibility emergency response setups when configured with the correct authorized colors and control requirements. Many departments also spec a fire apparatus light bar for engines and rescue vehicles where maximum roofline visibility is required.
Tow, construction, utility, and DOT fleets
For roadside work and job sites, many fleets shop this category as a construction light bar solution or tow and utility warning setup, prioritizing amber forward warning, durable mounting, and simple controls. Common work-truck installs include platforms like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado, where cab width and mounting points determine the best bar length and mount style. If you manage roadside scenes, choose configurations that support rear focused visibility and directional guidance where needed. For heavy recovery, a wrecker light bar setup often prioritizes rear signaling and directional guidance for roadside control.
Security and private security vehicles
Security light bars are commonly used on patrol and response vehicles that need visible warning at job sites, gated communities, events, and roadside scenes. Choose authorized colors where permitted and prioritize stable roof mounting with simple controls for daily use.
Compliance, Visibility, and Professional Grade Build
California Title 13 and SAE standards
Full size light bars in this category are built to meet California Title 13 requirements, and many models reference applicable SAE standards in their documentation. Always confirm the exact compliance language on the specific product listing you are purchasing, especially when you are standardizing fleet policy requirements. If you need a SAE Class 1 light bar or are sourcing a SAE J595 light bar, confirm the exact rating and documentation on the individual product listing.
Durability for weather, vibration, and daily use
A roof mounted light bar must survive real world operation. Prioritize rugged housings, sealed construction, and mounting hardware designed for fleet-grade long term stability in rain, heat, cold, and high speed driving.
Need Help Choosing?
Use this 30 second decision checklist
- Choose your length: 37 inch, 40 inch, 47 inch, or 48 inch based on roof fitment and desired coverage
- Choose your install style: hardwired fleet install or cigarette plug power on select models
- Choose your function set: traffic advisor capability on select models and takedown or alley lighting on select models, plus the control method that matches your vehicle.
If you are outfitting multiple vehicles, standardize length ranges and control methods across the fleet to simplify installs and reduce downtime. If you are comparing light bars for sale for a fleet or a single vehicle, confirm fitment and the exact feature set on the product listing before ordering.
Related Categories and Profession Pages
If you are comparing roof light bars with other warning lighting options, use the links below to shop the right product type for your vehicle and role.
Related product categories:
- Magnetic Light Bars
- Traffic Advisors / Arrow Sticks
- Dash Strobe Lights
- Visor Lights
- Surface Mount Grille Strobe Lights
- Controllers / Switches / Wiring
- Emergency Vehicle Sirens
Industry / profession pages:
- Police Lights
- Firefighter Lights
- Tow Truck Strobe Lights
- Construction Strobe Light Kits
- LED Strobe Lights
- LED Warning Lights
Full Size Light Bar FAQs
What size light bar do I need for my vehicle?
Most buyers choose 37 inch for compact rooflines, 40 inch for common patrol and SUV fitments, and 47 to 48 inch for maximum roof coverage on trucks and larger SUVs. Measure your available roof mounting area and confirm mounting points before ordering.
Do full size light bars work as a light bar for a truck roof?
Yes. Full size roof light bars are a common solution for truck roof installs because they provide broad, high visibility warning coverage. Choose the length that best matches your cab width and mounting points.
Are these roof light bars used for emergency light bars for trucks?
Yes. Full size roof light bars are commonly used as emergency light bars for trucks and SUVs when you need wide visibility, stable mounting, and a professional warning signal. Choose the length and control style that matches your vehicle and operating role.
Do these include traffic advisor modes?
Only certain models include traffic advisor or directional capability. If rear directional signaling is a priority, select a model that lists traffic advisor functions in its feature set.
Can I control takedown and alley lights separately?
Some models include takedown and alley lighting and support separate control of those functions through the included control method or compatible switch box setups. Confirm the control behavior on the product listing before purchase.
What is the difference between TIR optics and reflector style optics?
TIR optics typically concentrate output into a more focused pattern, while reflector style optics often provide wider spread for broad warning angles. The best choice depends on your operating environment and how you need the bar to read from off angle positions.
How are full size light bars mounted?
Most are permanently roof mounted using bracket hardware, and many support gutter mounting where applicable. Proper mounting is critical for long term stability and vibration resistance.
Are these California Title 13 compliant and SAE rated?
Full size light bars in this category are built to meet California Title 13 requirements, and many models reference applicable SAE standards in their documentation. Verify the exact compliance notes on the product page for the model you select.
What color should I use for construction or towing?
Amber is widely used for construction, tow, utility, and roadway support vehicles focused on caution and scene warning. Always verify your local and state authorization rules for on road warning colors.
Do you sell police light bars and emergency light bars for sale to the public?
You can shop police light bars and emergency light bars for sale on this page, but authorized colors and on road use may be restricted by state or agency rules. Choose your configuration based on your role, vehicle type, and the regulations that apply where you operate.
What is a low profile light bar?
A low profile lightbar uses a slimmer housing that sits closer to the roofline to reduce wind resistance and create a cleaner look, while still delivering full-size warning coverage.
Do these use 3-watt LEDs?
LED output varies by model. Some configurations use 3-watt LEDs, while others use different LED packages depending on the bar design and optics. Confirm LED specs and output notes on the product listing.