What the cruise control symbol looks like—and what it means

The cruise control symbol is typically a small speedometer-style dial with an arrow or set marker, often glowing green when the system is actively maintaining your speed. Depending on the car, you may also see a word-based indicator like “CRUISE,” or an icon that adds a small car and distance bars for adaptive cruise control. Below is a detailed guide to help you identify the symbol on your dashboard or steering-wheel controls, understand color changes, and tell it apart from similar driver-assist icons.

What the symbol looks like

Across most makes and models, the core icon is a stylized speedometer—think a semicircle gauge—with a pointer, arrow, or tick mark that indicates your set speed. In some vehicles, especially older models, the word “CRUISE” illuminates instead of an icon. Adaptive systems add distance/radar elements.

Icon variations by system

Automakers use slightly different graphics to show whether you have basic cruise control or advanced versions. The following list highlights common variations you might see and how to recognize them at a glance.

• Conventional cruise control: A speedometer dial with a pointer/arrow; sometimes just the word “CRUISE.”
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC): A speedometer icon paired with a small car and distance bars or radar waves in front of it, indicating gap control to the vehicle ahead.
• Cruise control buttons: Steering-wheel keys often show a small speedometer, “SET/RES,” or “+ / −” symbols for set, resume, accelerate, and decelerate.
• Speed limiter (different feature): Usually “LIM” or a speedometer with a small limit line—distinct from cruise control, which maintains, not caps, speed.

While the artwork varies, the consistent theme is a speedometer motif for cruise, and a car-with-waves motif when radar-based distance control is involved.

Indicator colors and what they mean

Color changes in the instrument cluster tell you the system’s status without reading text. These conventions are widely used, though exact shades and behavior can vary slightly by brand.

• White or gray: System is on/armed but no speed is set yet.
• Green: Cruise control is actively maintaining a set speed.
• Amber or yellow: A fault, blocked sensor (for ACC), or the feature is temporarily unavailable (e.g., poor weather or a system error).
• Blue (less common): Some brands use blue for active status—check your owner’s manual for specifics.

If your indicator stays amber or repeatedly drops out, the system may need a sensor cleaning (ACC) or diagnostic check.

Where you’ll see it

The cruise control symbol appears in two main places: on your instrument cluster (to show status) and on the steering-wheel controls (to show which button does what). On many digital clusters, the icon may animate or show your set speed numerically.

How to use cruise control safely

While exact operations differ by model, most systems share the same basic steps. Always use cruise control only when road and weather conditions are safe and legal.

1. Turn the system on: Press the cruise button (speedometer icon or “CRUISE”). The icon typically turns white/gray.
2. Set your speed: Accelerate to your desired speed, then press “SET.” The icon usually turns green.
3. Adjust speed: Use “+ / −” or “RES/SET” to fine-tune speed in small increments.
4. Pause or cancel: Tap “CANCEL,” press the brake, or clutch (manuals) to disengage without turning the system off.
5. Resume: Press “RES” to return to the last set speed when conditions allow.
6. For ACC: Use distance/gap buttons (often a car-with-bars icon) to change following distance.

Consult your vehicle’s manual for system limits—especially for ACC, which still requires your full attention and may not detect all obstacles or conditions.

Common lookalikes and misconceptions

Drivers sometimes confuse cruise control with neighboring driver-assist icons. Use these tips to distinguish them quickly and avoid misusing features.

• Speed limiter vs. cruise: “LIM” caps your maximum speed but won’t maintain it; cruise maintains a set speed.
• Lane keeping vs. cruise: Lane icons (lane lines or a steering wheel) are separate features; they do not control speed unless bundled with ACC in specific modes.
• Traffic sign recognition: A speed limit sign icon shows detected limits; it does not set cruise unless your car supports automatic speed adaptation and it’s enabled.

Knowing these differences helps ensure you activate the feature you intend—and understand what the car will and won’t do.

Troubleshooting the cruise symbol

If the symbol behaves unexpectedly—staying amber, disappearing, or refusing to go green—these quick checks can help isolate the issue before you visit a service center.

• ACC only: Clean the front radar/camera areas; dirt, ice, or heavy rain can disable adaptive functions.
• Check prerequisites: Seat belts fastened, doors closed, no severe warning lights active, speed within allowable range.
• Transmission/drive mode: Some drive modes or low gears may limit cruise functionality.
• System reset: Turn the car off and on; if the fault persists, consult diagnostics.

Persistent warnings merit a professional inspection, especially for sensor alignment or software updates.

Summary

The cruise control symbol is usually a speedometer-style icon that turns green when actively holding your speed. Adaptive systems add a small car and distance bars to indicate radar-based following. White/gray means armed, green means active, and amber typically signals a fault or temporary unavailability. Look for the icon in your cluster for status and on the steering wheel for controls, and check your manual for brand-specific graphics and limits.

How do I know if my car has cruise control?

To check if your car has cruise control, look for buttons or a stalk on your steering wheel or steering column with symbols like “CRUISE,” “SET,” “RES,” or a speedometer icon. If you find these, you can then consult your car’s owner’s manual to learn how to activate and use the specific system. 
Steps to Check for Cruise Control

1. Inspect the steering wheel and column: Opens in new tabLook for any buttons or a lever on the steering wheel itself or on the steering column, which is the part of the steering column that connects the wheel to the dashboard. 
2. Identify cruise control buttons: Opens in new tabThe controls will often be labeled with words like “CRUISE,” “SET,” “RES” (resume), or “CANCEL”. A speedometer icon is also a common indicator. 
3. Check the owner’s manual: Opens in new tabIf you’re unsure, the most reliable method is to check your car’s owner’s manual, which will detail all the features your car is equipped with. 

What to Look For

• Steering Wheel Buttons: Opens in new tabMany cars have buttons on the steering wheel for controlling cruise control. 
• Stalk Lever: Opens in new tabSome older vehicles or specific models might have a stalk or lever on the steering column, similar to a turn signal or windshield wiper control. 
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Opens in new tabSome modern vehicles also feature adaptive cruise control, which uses radar or cameras and may have a different set of controls or indicators. 

If you find these features, your car likely has cruise control. You can then refer to your owner’s manual to find the specific instructions for your vehicle’s system.

What is the cruise control symbol on a dash?

The most common cruise control symbol is a speedometer with an arrow, similar to an icon on a gas pump or a gauge. This symbol typically appears on the dashboard to indicate that the cruise control system has been turned on and is operating. The color often signifies the system’s status, with a white or yellow light showing the feature is enabled but not yet set, and a green light indicating that a speed has been set and the cruise control is active. 
Symbol Variations
While the speedometer with an arrow is a very common symbol, other variations exist: 

• Speedometer with a car: This is often used for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). 
• Car with waves in front: This symbol can also indicate Adaptive Cruise Control, representing the system’s ability to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. 
• Arc with a small triangle: Another symbol for ACC, with the arc representing the set speed and the triangle representing the vehicle ahead. 

Understanding the Color of the Symbol

• White/Yellow: This color generally means the cruise control system is turned on and ready, but you haven’t set a specific speed. 
• Green: When the symbol turns green, it signifies that you have selected a speed, and the cruise control is actively maintaining it. 
• Flashing/Orange: A flashing or sustained amber or yellow light can indicate a fault or issue with the cruise control system, such as a sensor or electrical problem. 

When to See Your Mechanic
If the cruise control light stays on, is flashing, or a different cruise control warning gauge appears, it signals a potential problem. It is important to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic, as this could be due to a faulty sensor, blown fuse, or other system issues. 
This video explains what cruise control warning lights mean and what to do if you see one: 50sCarTechHomeYouTube · Apr 13, 2025
What to Do if You See the Symbol

• Turn on the system: Press the On/Off button on your steering wheel to activate the system. 
• Set a speed: Once the symbol is illuminated, press the “Set” button while driving at your desired speed to engage the cruise control and turn the light green. 
• Deactivate the system: To turn off cruise control, you can press the brake or clutch, or simply turn the system off using the button on the steering wheel. 

If you are still unsure, checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the best way to find specific information about your car’s cruise control system and its dashboard indicators.

What symbol is cruise control?

The cruise control symbol is typically a speedometer icon or an arc with a vehicle silhouette that illuminates on your dashboard or head-up display when the system is activated. It may appear in different colors, with green indicating an active, set speed, while white or amber can show it’s on but inactive or experiencing a temporary issue. For Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which adjusts speed based on traffic, the symbol may also include a small vehicle icon or car-shaped lines. 
Common Cruise Control Symbols

• Basic Cruise Control: A speedometer icon with an arrow pointing to the set speed. 
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Often a speedometer with a vehicle icon on top or an arc with a triangle or car through it. 
• Color-Coded Status:
  • Green: System is on and actively maintaining your set speed. 
  • White/Amber/Yellow: The system is enabled but not actively setting the speed, or there’s a temporary issue. 
  • Red/Flashing: Indicates a problem with the cruise control system that requires professional attention. 

What to Look For

• Dashboard/Head-Up Display: Opens in new tabThe symbol will appear on the instrument panel or a head-up display if your vehicle is equipped with one. 
• Buttons/Stalk: Opens in new tabLook for buttons or a control stalk on your steering wheel or steering column with a speedometer or cruise control icon on it. 

Important Considerations

• Consult Your Manual: For specific details on your vehicle’s cruise control system and its symbols, refer to your car’s owner’s manual. 
• System Malfunction: If the symbol is illuminated red, flashing, or other warning lights are on, it signals a potential issue with the cruise control system. 
• Sensor Obstructions: For ACC systems, a blocked radar sensor due to dirt or debris can cause a malfunction, requiring you to clean the sensor’s surface. 

What button is cruise control?

The button for cruise control is typically found on the right-hand side of the steering wheel or sometimes on a stalk on the steering column. It’s often a single button labeled ON/OFF or DRIVE ASSIST to activate the system, and it’s accompanied by other buttons for SET, RESUME, CANCEL, and +/- to control speed. When active, a cruise control indicator will light up on the dashboard.
 
Where to Find the Controls

• Steering Wheel: Opens in new tabMost modern vehicles have cruise control buttons directly on the steering wheel, usually on the right side. 
• Steering Column Stalk: Opens in new tabIn some cars, you’ll find a separate lever or stalk, often near the windshield wiper controls, that manages the cruise control system. 

Common Cruise Control Buttons

• ON/OFF or DRIVE ASSIST: To turn the cruise control system on or off. 
• SET: To set the vehicle to the current speed. 
• +/- (Plus/Minus): To increase or decrease the set speed, often in 1-mph increments. 
• RESUME: To return the vehicle to the last set speed. 
• CANCEL: To temporarily disengage the cruise control without shutting off the entire system. 

How to Use Cruise Control

1. Turn On: Press the ON/OFF or DRIVE ASSIST button to activate the system. 
2. Set Speed: Accelerate to your desired speed, then press the SET button to engage cruise control. 
3. Disengage: Press the CANCEL button, tap the brake pedal, or, in a manual car, depress the clutch pedal to disengage the system. 
4. Resume: To return to your set speed, press the RESUME button.