What Does the Police Car Light Emoji 🚨 Mean?

PDF download Download Article
Get up to speed on the 🚨 emoji’s meaning on text and social media
PDF download Download Article

The 🚨 (police car light) emoji, also called the siren emoji, alarm emoji, or red alert emoji, has more than one meaning when used in texts—and we’re here to show you what they are. Depending on the situation, the siren emoji can mean an emergency, represent an urgent or important piece of news, or even represent being arrested. Read on for a complete guide to the 🚨 (siren) emoji, how to use it, and how it compares to other related emojis.

🚨 Siren Emoji Meaning at a Glance

The 🚨 emoji, which depicts a flashing siren light on top of a police car, mainly signifies an emergency. It can also represent anything urgent, important, or time-sensitive (even if it’s not a real emergency). Finally, it’s associated with the police, so it can represent being arrested.

Section 1 of 6:

Meaning of the 🚨 (Police Car Light) Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Siren-Emoji-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Siren-Emoji-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Siren-Emoji-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Siren-Emoji-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since the emoji—sometimes just called the siren or alarm emoji—depicts a red light installed on the roof of a police car, it stands for any emergency, important issue, or time-sensitive matter. It's the texting version of sounding an alarm bell or blaring a police siren with flashing lights! [1]
    • "🚨 I need some help! I left my medication at home by accident—could you swing by my work and bring it to me?"
    • "🚨 Emergency!! I just said the total wrong thing to my crush. What do I do now?!"
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

How to Use the 🚨 (Police Car Light) Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Siren-Emoji-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Siren-Emoji-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Siren-Emoji-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Siren-Emoji-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    "Emergency" is the siren emoji's primary meaning, so it's most often used to send red alerts via text. You might use the alarm emoji to tell someone about an emergency or a dire situation that needs to be dealt with. [2]
    • “🚨 Can you come home? It looks like our apartment got broken into. Police are on their way over now!”
    • “🚨 Your brother is okay, but he broke his leg and is at the hospital now. We’re heading over there—can you come too?”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Siren-Emoji-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Siren-Emoji-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Siren-Emoji-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Siren-Emoji-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Even if a situation isn’t a true emergency, the siren emoji can be used to show when something super important to the sender—like a movie release they’re excited about or a sudden change to plans happening later that day. It also indicates that an issue or piece of news is time-sensitive, prompting a quick reply. [3]
    • “🚨 Omg, there’s a new Taylor Swift album coming! I can’t wait!”
    • “🚨 Hey, can you let me know if you’re coming to the holiday party soon? I need a head count!”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Siren-Emoji-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Siren-Emoji-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Siren-Emoji-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Siren-Emoji-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Its association with police cars (and law enforcement in general) means the siren emoji can be used when discussing the police or a story involving the police in a message. You might even see someone use it to talk about being arrested (or seeing someone else get arrested). [4]
    • “There are police cars on my block! I wonder what’s going on? 🚨”
    • “I watched someone get arrested today at the mall 🚨😬”
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 6:

Responding to the 🚨 (Police Car Light) Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Siren-Emoji-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Siren-Emoji-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Siren-Emoji-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Siren-Emoji-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you need to get involved (with an injured family member or a friend needing a ride after their car breaks down, for example), be sure to respond! Let the sender know if you can help or alert others who might also need to know. Emergencies are handled case-by-case, so respond as best you can, depending on the situation.
    • Them : “🚨 Help! I’m stuck—my car broke down, and my phone’s low on power. Can I get a ride?”
    • You : “Of course! Where are you?”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Siren-Emoji-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Siren-Emoji-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Siren-Emoji-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Siren-Emoji-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If someone is sharing their excitement (or dismay) over news that’s important to them, react depending on how you feel about that news. If they’re reaching out to tell you about a recent development or change in plans, let them know you got the message (so they don’t have to wonder).
    • Them : “🚨 Hey!! Just FYI, the party tonight is starting at 8 now, not 7! 🚨”
    • You : “Oh ok! No problem, see you at 8 instead!”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Siren-Emoji-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Siren-Emoji-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Siren-Emoji-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Siren-Emoji-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Say someone texts you the alarm emoji to talk about an experience with the police (or even another type of emergency responder, like firefighters or EMTs). Respond according to the nature of the conversation in each case. Depending on what they say, you might react with surprise, sympathy, curiosity, or in some other way. [5]
    • Them : “There was a small fire in my building today! There were fire engines here and everything 🚨”
    • You : “Oh no! You’re okay, right? Do you know what happened?”
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 6:

🚨 (Police Car Light) vs. the ⚠️ (Warning Sign) Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Siren-Emoji-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Siren-Emoji-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Siren-Emoji-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Siren-Emoji-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Just as you might use the siren emoji to let someone know there’s a problem or warn them about something, you can also use the warning sign emoji to do the same thing. The main difference is that the 🚨 emoji is also associated with police and sirens, while the ⚠️ emoji is associated with hazard signs and safety messages in the real world.
    • “⚠️ Just a heads-up, there’s a lot of traffic today, so leave a little early!”
    • “🚨 Red alert! I can’t find my bracelet after last night, have you seen it?”
Section 5 of 6:

Combinations with the 🚨 (Police Car Light) Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Siren-Emoji-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Siren-Emoji-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Siren-Emoji-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Siren-Emoji-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're using the emoji to talk about an actual experience with law enforcement or any emergency responder, there are other emojis you can pair with the 🚨 emoji to do it. For example:
    • 🚑🚓🚒🚨 = Emergency services
    • 👮‍♂️🚔🚨 = Police are coming
    • 🚒🚨⛑️ = Firefighters
    • 🚬🚨 = Smoke alarm
    • 🕵‍♂🔎🚓🚔👮‍♂🚨 = Investigating a crime
    • 🧑‍⚕️📞🚑🚨 = Calling a doctor or going to the hospital
    2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 6:

Related Emojis

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Siren-Emoji-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Siren-Emoji-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Siren-Emoji-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Siren-Emoji-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Emojis connected to the alarm emoji include 🚓 (police car) and 👮 (police officer) since all three refer to the police and law enforcement. Emojis like the 🆘 (SOS button) and ⏰ (alarm clock) are also related; SOS is a distress call, and the alarm clock can be used for text alerts and updates. Other emojis include:
    • 🚑 (Ambulance)
    • 🛎️ (Bellhop Bell)
    • ⏲️ (Timer Clock)
    • 🚦 (Traffic Light)
    • 🚔 (Oncoming Police Car)
    • 🚒 (Fire Engine)

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Emojis Mean Sex?
      What Does the 🤍 White Heart Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🩵 (Light Blue Heart) Emoji Mean?
      The Top Emojis Guys Use when They Like or Love You
      The Top Emojis a Girl Will Use if She Likes You
      What Does the 💚 Green Heart Emoji Mean?
      What Do All the Different Hand Emojis Mean?
      What Does the 🤗 (Hugging Face) Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🥹 (Holding Back Tears Emoji) Mean?
      What Does the 💛 Yellow Heart Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🙌🙏 Two Hands Emoji Mean?
      What Does the OBJ () Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 😘💋 Kiss Emoji Mean?
      What XD Really Means in the Digital World
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://emojiguide.com/blog/siren-emoji/
      2. ↑ https://emojiguide.com/blog/siren-emoji/
      3. ↑ https://emojiguide.com/blog/siren-emoji/
      4. ↑ https://emojiterra.com/police-car-light/
      5. ↑ https://emojiterra.com/police-car-light/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 663 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement