toppljus

Toppljus is a roof-mounted warning beacon used on Swedish emergency and service vehicles to indicate priority on the road and to prompt other road users to yield. The term is widely used in Sweden and other Nordic countries, and refers to the beacons mounted on police cars, ambulances, fire engines, and support vehicles. The lights are designed to be highly visible across conditions.

Modern toppljus predominantly use LED technology and are integrated into a light bar or as a standalone beacon. They emit bright blue light in many countries, often with white auxiliary lighting, and may flash, rotate, or use multiple synchronized patterns. The purpose is to maximize visibility and to convey urgency during responses.

Use of toppljus is governed by traffic regulations that specify when emergency vehicles may activate the lights and sirens and how other drivers must respond. In Sweden and Nordic countries, blue toppljus identify official emergency and service vehicles and are used in pursuit of safe and efficient operations. Unauthorized use is prohibited and can be sanctioned.

History and evolution: Toppljus began as rotating or flashing beacons and have largely migrated to LED-based systems since the late 20th century. The shift improved reliability, energy efficiency, and visibility. Today, many vehicles use compact, high-intensity units that satisfy signaling needs while reducing maintenance costs.