Why Are They Called Chicken Lights?

Chicken lights also known as cab lights or auxiliary lights are a common sight on big rigs traveling America’s highways. But where did the quirky name for these extra lights come from? As with many trucker traditions, the origins are a bit murky, but the purpose remains clear. Let’s break down the history and function of these iconic truck accessories.

A Signature Look

Picture a classic 18-wheeler barreling down the interstate. What’s one of the first things you notice? Probably those rows of small, round lights across the top and sides of the cab. Truckers have long added these decorative lights, often in chrome housings, to give their rigs a custom look. The practice echoes back to the golden age of car culture in the 1950s and 60s when hot rodders would trick out their rides with as much chrome and flare as possible.

For truckers, chicken lights are part of achieving that signature big rig style. They’re a way to personalize your home on the road. Of course, form follows function. Those lights aren’t just for show.

Increased Visibility

The primary purpose of chicken lights is improving visibility That’s especially critical at night when truckers log the majority of their miles The extra lighting allows other drivers to see the rig better in low light conditions and helps the trucker illuminate dark loading areas. Chicken lights also cast additional light if a truck needs to pull over with a breakdown at night.

Because they boost visibility, most chicken lights are white or amber in color. They need to stand out from the red brake lights and signal lamps. Brighter is better for grabbing attention on the road.

Specialized Hauling

Certain types of haulers stack even more chicken lights onto their trucks. For instance, cattle haulers fill their trailers with lights to allow loading and checking livestock at night. The numerous lights make it easier to watch the animals during long overnight hauls too.

Heavy equipment haulers may also add more chicken lights to help navigate while transporting oversized loads in the dark. The lights assist with positioning the trailer and cargo. For these specialized jobs, chicken lights take on even greater functional importance.

Legal Rules

While chicken lights are legal in the United States and Canada, there are some regulations surrounding them. If the lights face forward, they must be amber or white. Rear-facing lights need to be red.

The lights also can’t flash or oscillate. Any additional lighting can’t interfere with the federally mandated lighting system all commercial trucks must have. As long as truckers follow the basic guidelines, they’re free to customize and modify to their heart’s content.

How the Name Originated

So where does the odd name “chicken lights” come from anyway? There are a few different theories floating around out there.

Some say truckers used the term somewhat derisively at first for those who went overboard decorating their trucks with excessive lights. The style seemed almost cowardly, like the drivers were afraid of the dark, so they got mocked as adding “chicken lights.”

Others trace it to the slang use of “chicken” meaning anything flashy or over-the-top. The chicken lights label may have developed as commentary on the outlandish chrome and lighting choices of some truckers.

There’s also a possible connection to the old insult of calling someone a “chicken” if they were scared or cowardly. More lights helped nervous drivers feel braver in the dark.

Whatever the exact origin, the name chicken lights stuck and is now a firmly entrenched part of trucker lexicon. The lights themselves are here to stay as well.

Unique Culture

The prevalence of chicken lights gives a hint into the distinctive culture of truckers. Personalizing their rigs allows for self-expression on the road. The open highway becomes a moving canvas to showcase their unique style.

Of course, that personal flair has a very public audience. Elaborate chicken light displays attract the attention of passing motorists. For truckers, their rig is a calling card and a source of pride. Chicken lights let them put their own stamp on that signature mobile image.

Truckers often get deeply attached to their home away from home. That’s especially true for owner-operators. Amping up their truck helps cement that bond. The process allows creativity through customization. For truckers, their rig is both a mobile workplace and an extension of their personality.

Trucker Tradition

Over the decades, chicken lights have become ingrained in trucker tradition. They’re passed down as new generations of drivers enter the workforce. The first upgrade many make is adding a set of chrome chicken lights.

It ties back to that appeal of personalization and a chance to start building your own look. For new truckers, it’s a rite of passage that signals you are now part of the community. The lights reflect your membership in a special fraternity of drivers.

Of course, trucking culture continues to evolve with the times. But chicken lights remain a constant—a signature tradition that links the modern trucking world back to its roots. As long as there are truckers, expect to keep seeing those shiny mini lights dotted across our highways.

So next time you spot a big rig heading your way with chicken lights aglow, you’ll know the story behind the name and significance. Truckers may have their own personal reasons for adding extra lights. But ultimately, the goal is better visibility and a way to put their own stamp on their most prized possession. For these “knights of the highway,” chicken lights are a badge of honor and a crucial part of life on the road.