In a vehicle lamp, in particular a side marking lamp for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light source and at least one optical system (6a, 6b) arranged in the beam path of the light source, the substantially conical light beam issuing from the light source impinges directly on the optical system (6a, 6b) and shines therethrough, wherein the optical system (6a, 6b) is such that it produces therefrom a cruciform light distribution (3).