A vehicle barrier gate arm is pivotable upward and downward. The gate arm has an exterior wall having at least one channel extending along the length of the gate arm. The channel includes a recessed light housing containing a light system such as an LED light strip or a light rope. The channel is defined by two opposing, parallel channel walls and a backwall. Each channel wall has a retaining fin extending perpendicularly therefrom into the channel, thereby forming an aperture for the light housing. The light housing is situated between the retaining fins and the backwall. A visor channel extends from the retaining fins to the exterior wall of the gate arm. The visor channel provides a stronger contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated light systems within the light housing, allowing an observer to better determine whether the LED lights strips, which often act as signals, are activated or are not activated.