Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

What should be left activated during a traffic stop to warn oncoming traffic?

1. Headlights

2. Patrol vehicle sirens

3. Overhead emergency lights

4. Flashers

The correct answer is: Overhead emergency lights

During a traffic stop, it is crucial to warn oncoming traffic of the situation to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including the officers and motorists. The use of overhead emergency lights is specifically designed for this purpose. These lights are highly visible and can be seen from a significant distance, alerting oncoming drivers to the presence of a stopped vehicle and the potential need for them to proceed with caution. This kind of visibility is particularly important at night or in low visibility conditions, making it an essential practice for law enforcement to enhance safety during such encounters. While headlights, sirens, and flashers can also provide warnings, they do not serve the same primary function as overhead emergency lights. Headlights are typically used for the vehicle’s operation and do not adequately signal an emergency situation. Sirens are often more effective in alerting people to the immediate presence of an emergency vehicle rather than slowing traffic. Flashers may alert other drivers but are not as universally recognized as indicating a traffic stop compared to the distinct flashing pattern of emergency lights. Therefore, keeping the overhead emergency lights activated is the most effective way to manage oncoming traffic during a traffic stop.