the present invention provides a system for indicating the status of a loading dock to a driver . the system includes a signal detector configured to provide an indication to an operator when a signal generator is in a predetermined state . in one embodiment , the signal generator is configured to emit light when it is safe to leave the loading dock and the signal detector is configured to detect light . an operator interface is electrically connected to the signal detector . the operator interface is configured to convey to the operator the status determined by the signal detector . the signal detector is associated with a vehicle and the signal detector is adaptable to a plurality of signal generators .