What Are Chase Lights? | Rear Visibility Explained

For the full breakdown, see our best UTV Chase Lights guide.

So, what are chase lights? Chase lights are supplemental safety lights mounted to the rear of off-road vehicles like trucks, UTVs, Jeeps, and buggies. Their job is to make your vehicle visible to drivers behind you when dust, mud, or weather conditions would otherwise hide you. Unlike a light bar that illuminates the trail ahead, a chase light shines backward so the next vehicle in your group doesn’t lose you—or worse, run into you.

Why Use a Chase Light?

Off-road groups travel close together, and dust clouds can swallow a vehicle in seconds. A chase light cuts through that haze, giving the driver behind a constant visual marker. They’re especially valuable in sand, dry trails, and winter conditions where visibility drops fast.

Think of it as a safety beacon rather than a driving light. It doesn’t help you see—it helps others see you. That distinction matters when you’re choosing one.

Types of Chase Lights and Patterns

While the off-road world owns the term, “chase” also describes a lighting pattern where bulbs turn on in sequence to create a moving effect. That’s common in holiday light strings, stage lighting, and some automotive LED setups.

Product examples show real variety in color and size:

• Amber is the most common off-road choice, but red, blue, white, and multicolor options exist.
• Mounts range from compact 2″ x 7″ pods to 32″ bars and larger dual-housing assemblies.
• Power inputs vary from low-voltage DC automotive units (9-16V or 9-18V) to 120VAC controllers for decorative lights.

That’s enough to be seen without taxing your electrical system.

How to Install and Use a Chase Light

Mounting a chase light is straightforward. Position it at the rear of the vehicle where following drivers can see it clearly, then wire it to your electrical system.

Before you buy, check three things:

• Voltage compatibility: match the light’s input range to your vehicle’s system.
• Mounting space: measure the area and confirm the dimensions fit.
• Connector and polarity: some units use Deutsch DT inputs and require polarity-specific wiring.

Surface-mount pods typically use supplied hardware, while bar-style lights need a bracket. When dust conditions are heavy, turn the chase light on in a steady mode or a slow pattern so the driver behind has a constant reference point.

If you’re ready to shop, our tested roundup of the best UTV chase lights on the market covers the top models and their real-world performance.

Common Misconceptions

The biggest confusion is mixing up rear safety lights with decorative chase lighting. They serve completely different purposes. Another mistake is assuming all chase lights are amber—they’re not. And not every “chasing” light string can be connected end-to-end; at least one documented product has a single plug and cannot be daisy-chained.

One more thing to keep in mind: chase lights are supplemental safety aids, not legal replacements for brake lights, reverse lights, or turn signals. Vehicle lighting legality varies by local rules, so check your jurisdiction before relying on one.