sidelights

Sidelights is a term that can refer to different types of lights or windows located on the sides of a structure or vehicle, and to the technical arrangement of navigation lights on a vessel. The meaning depends on context, but all senses share the idea of lateral positions.

In architecture, sidelights are narrow windows placed to the left and right of a door, often extending from the door frame upward. They admit daylight and can improve visibility while maintaining privacy. Sidelights may be single panes or divided into multiple smaller panes by glazing bars; they are commonly paired with transoms, and can be fixed or operable as windows in the entry area. The term can also refer to similarly positioned slender window openings along interior doors or hallways.

In automotive usage, sidelights refer to exterior lamps mounted on the sides of a vehicle, usually near the front and rear doors or corners. They serve as position or parking lights, helping other road users see the vehicle at low speed or when stationary. In contemporary vehicles, sidelights are often integrated into the headlamp or taillight assemblies, and the exact terminology and configuration vary by country.

On ships, sidelights are the left and right navigation lights displayed on the forward part of a vessel, red on the port side and green on the starboard side, with a white light used at the stern. They indicate the vessel’s direction and presence to other mariners at night or in restricted visibility. The term has historical usage in navigation but is still encountered in regulatory contexts.