Introduction
The “Streetsweeper” headlight flasher, manufactured by Approved Technologies, is a legendary piece of emergency vehicle equipment from the 1990s best known for its association with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). It represents a highly sought-after component for police vehicle collectors and restorers.
The CHP Connection
The Upgrade: During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the CHP shifted away from using older electromechanical or early solid-state wig-wag flashers (such as the Unitrol Model 131). They replaced them with the “Streetsweeper” model by Approved Technologies.
The Fleet Vehicles: This specific flasher was standard equipment in iconic 1990s law enforcement vehicles, most notably the Ford Mustang SSP (Special Service Package) and the Chevrolet Caprice 9C1.
Design and Operation
The “Streetsweeper” Name: The device earned its name due to the rapid (1.9 per second), aggressive alternating “wig-wag” pattern it delivered to the high-beam headlights. When an emergency vehicle cleared traffic using this intense visual warning, it literally “swept the street” clear of civilian vehicles.
Technology Transition: Built during a transitional era in emergency vehicle equipment, the Streetsweeper utilized robust analog circuitry designed to handle the heavy electrical loads of halogen bulbs without burning out the vehicle’s factory headlight switch.
Legacy and Collectability
Restoration Gold: For police car restorers aiming for a “correct” 1990s CHP build, finding an authentic, working Approved Technologies Streetsweeper unit is a major milestone.
Rarity: Because Approved Technologies was eventually phased out or absorbed as emergency lighting rapidly modernized into digital LED patterns in the 2000s, surviving working units from the 1990s are rare and highly prized on the secondary market.
Wiring Diagrams
The wiring colors are:
- Red = 12v Power – Switched
- White = 12v Power
- Black = Ground from lights
- Green = Ground or marker light for night-time cut off
- Blue = Left headlight & high beam switch
- Yellow= Right headlight
The below diagram is from the California Highway Patrol Motor Transport Manual for the 1992 CHP Ford Mustang
About The Author
Code 3 Garage
I started my career as a police officer in 1989 with the Geneva on The Lake Police Department. I worked part time as a police officer and full time as a Security Sergeant doing armed mobile security patrols for a local security company. In 1990 I became a State Trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. During my career as a State Trooper I was certified as a Technical Crash Investigator, OPOTA Police Instructor, OPOTA Police Driving Instructor, LASER Instructor, and received awards for ACE (Auto Larceny) and Post Trooper of The Year. Code 3 Garage is a mix of my inner automotive gearhead, and public safety background. I hope you enjoy it!