Aeronautical Information Manual
AIM 2-1-10
Taxiway Lights
Taxiway Edge Lights. Taxiway edge lights are used to outline the edges of taxiways during periods of darkness or restricted visibility conditions. These fixtures emit blue light. NOTE-
At most major airports these lights have variable intensity settings and may be adjusted at pilot request or when deemed necessary by the controller.
Taxiway Centerline Lights. Taxiway centerline lights are used to facilitate ground traffic under low visibility conditions. They are located along the taxiway centerline in a straight line on straight portions, on the centerline of curved portions, and along designated taxiing paths in portions of runways, ramp, and apron areas. Taxiway centerline lights are steady burning and emit green light.
Clearance Bar Lights. Clearance bar lights are installed at holding positions on taxiways in order to increase the conspicuity of the holding position in low visibility conditions. They may also be installed to indicate the location of an intersecting taxiway during periods of darkness. Clearance bars consist of three in-pavement steady-burning yellow lights.
Runway Guard Lights. Runway guard lights are installed at taxiway/runway intersections. They are primarily used to enhance the conspicuity of taxiway/runway intersections during low visibility conditions, but may be used in all weather conditions. Runway guard lights consist of either a pair of elevated flashing yellow lights installed on either side of the taxiway, or a row of in-pavement yellow lights installed across the entire taxiway, at the runway holding position marking. NOTE-
Some airports may have a row of three or five in-pavement yellow lights installed at taxiway/runway intersections. They should not be confused with clearance bar lights described in paragraph 2-1-10 c , Clearance Bar Lights.
Stop Bar Lights. Stop bar lights, when installed, are used to confirm the ATC clearance to enter or cross the active runway in low visibility conditions (below 1,200 ft Runway Visual Range). A stop bar consists of a row of red, unidirectional, steady-burning in-pavement lights installed across the entire taxiway at the runway holding position, and elevated steady-burning red lights on each side. A controlled stop bar is operated in conjunction with the taxiway centerline lead-on lights which extend from the stop bar toward the runway. Following the ATC clearance to proceed, the stop bar is turned off and the lead-on lights are turned on. The stop bar and lead-on lights are automatically reset by a sensor or backup timer. NOTE-
Pilots should never cross a red illuminated stop bar, even if an ATC clearance has been given to proceed onto or across the runway.
NOTE-
If after crossing a stop bar, the taxiway centerline lead-on lights inadvertently extinguish, pilots should hold their position and contact ATC for further instructions.
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Chapter 2. Aeronautical Lighting and Other Airport Visual Aids AIM
AIM by Chapter Number Chapter 0. General Information Chapter 1. Air Navigation Chapter 2. Aeronautical Lighting and Other Airport Visual Aids Chapter 3. Airspace Chapter 4. Air Traffic Control Chapter 5. Air Traffic Procedures Chapter 6. Emergency Procedures Chapter 7. Safety of Flight Chapter 8. Medical Facts for Pilots Chapter 9. Aeronautical Charts and Related Publications Chapter 10. Helicopter Operations Chapter 11. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Appendix 5
ATPUBS
AIM by Topic
General Information Explanation of Changes
Air Navigation Navigation Aids
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and Area Navigation (RNAV)
Aeronautical Lighting and Other Airport Visual Aids Airport Lighting Aids
Air Navigation and Obstruction Lighting
Airport Marking Aids and Signs
Airspace General
Controlled Airspace
Class G Airspace
Special Use Airspace
Other Airspace Areas
Air Traffic Control Services Available to Pilots
Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques
Airport Operations
ATC Clearances and Aircraft Separation
Surveillance Systems
Operational Policy/Procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in the Domestic U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR
Operational Policy/Procedures for the Gulf of America 50 NM Lateral Separation Initiative
Air Traffic Procedures Preflight
Departure Procedures
En Route Procedures
Arrival Procedures
Pilot/Controller Roles and Responsibilities
National Security and Interception Procedures
Emergency Procedures General
Emergency Services Available to Pilots
Distress and Urgency Procedures
Two‐way Radio Communications Failure
Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Communications
Safety of Flight Meteorology
Barometric Altimeter Errors and Setting Procedures
Cold Temperature Barometric Altimeter Errors, Setting Procedures and Cold Temperature Airports (CTA)
Wake Turbulence
Bird Hazards and Flight Over National Refuges, Parks, and Forests
Potential Flight Hazards
Safety, Accident, and Hazard Reports
Medical Facts for Pilots Fitness for Flight
Aeronautical Charts and Related Publications Types of Charts Available
Helicopter Operations Helicopter IFR Operations
Special Operations
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) General
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS)
Large UAS (MGOW 55 Pounds or More)
Airspace Access for UAS
UAS Pilot Testing, Certification and Responsibilities
Advanced Air Mobility
UAS Operations on Airports
Other Information and Best Practices
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
Appendix 5
Aeronautical Lighting and Other Airport Visual Aids
Air Navigation and Obstruction Lighting
Chapter 2. Aeronautical Lighting and Other Airport Visual Aids
Section 2. Air Navigation and Obstruction Lighting
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 20, 2026.