How Does Traffic Light Work? - Smore Science

28 Jul.,2025

 

How Does Traffic Light Work? - Smore Science

A traffic light has three colors— red, yellow, and green. Each color instructs the drivers— whether they should go or stop at the signal.

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When the light turns red, it’s time for everyone to stop. This is crucial to prevent accidents and give others a chance to safely cross the road or make their turn. The color red is used because it scatters less. When a ray of light travels in the air, it bounces off from one particle of dust to another. Light disperses in this manner, a process called scattering . Scattering can make a light appear less bright when far. Therefore, scattered light is not much visible the farther we go, something that doesn’t sit right with the purpose of traffic lights. Red light scatters the least and hence makes for an excellent signal visible far off on the road.

When the light turns green, it’s the signal to go. Vehicles and pedestrians can proceed safely through the intersection.

Yellow or amber suggests that the cars either need to stop at the signal soon or the vehicles will be released soon— the signal will turn green.

Modern traffic lights are computerized and have a control box nearby. Traffic lights might also be remotely controlled. The computerized system of traffic lights controls the timing of the lights. Data of the usual traffic is fed into the computer, and the lights cycle through the red, yellow, and green colors at certain time intervals. Timers are great options on busy roads with consistent traffic.

The traffic light’s computer uses sensors to determine when to change the lights. These sensors detect the presence of vehicles waiting at the intersection or pedestrians pushing the crosswalk button. Based on this information, the traffic light’s brain decides how long each color should stay lit. Video cameras, lasers, and wires that detect changes in magnetic fields are mainly used as sensors.

The magnetic system uses wires embedded in the road that detect any change in the magnetic field when a large metal object stops above it, such as a car. This system is called the inductive loop system and is fairly new.

Sometimes, emergency services like ambulances, fire trucks, etc., can change the traffic signal at intersections from their vehicles. This is called the traffic pre-emption system and minimizes emergency vehicles from getting stuck in signals.

Scattering: The process by which light is dispersed as it travels through a medium, such as air, due to interactions with particles, like dust. This phenomenon causes light to appear less bright as it travels farther.

Sensors: Devices that detect and respond to changes in their environment, providing information to a system for appropriate actions.

Magnetic Fields: The area around a magnet where its influence can be felt. Sensors can detect changes in magnetic fields.

Inductive Loop System: A technology that uses wires embedded in the road to detect changes in the magnetic field caused by large metal objects, like cars, passing over them.

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Traffic Pre-emption System: A system that allows emergency service vehicles, like ambulances and fire trucks, to change traffic signals at intersections to prioritize their passage.

What is a traffic light? What does each color mean? - wonderLearn

Can you imagine a busy junction without a traffic signal? Of course not, because without them, chaos will prevail. The movement of vehicles is controlled by the traffic lights. These lights are installed at busy crossroads to ensure smooth movement of the vehicles, as well as the safety of the commuters. Adherence to the traffic signal rules ensures safety of everyone.


What are Traffic Lights?

Traffic lights, also known as traffic signals, are lights that are used to regulate the flow of traffic. They are positioned at crossings and intersections of roads. The multiple light hues instruct drivers on what to do.

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About traffic Signals

The traffic signals were first used by the railways, then later adopted for road traffic too. The first automatic electric traffic lights were installed in , in the United States. From thereon, traffic lights have been used everywhere around the world.


These days, the traffic signals are either completely automated, or manually controlled by the traffic police. The fixed time signals automatically switch through the lights, whereas in the manual traffic signal, human intervention is needed. There are traffic actuated signals too which change the duration of the lights depending on the intensity of the traffic.


The traffic signals are easy to comprehend and follow a universal color code. 


How do traffic lights work? 


Red Traffic Light: Well, the red color, which says STOP,  is visible from a distance as it has the longest wavelength. The red color also indicates danger and helps the driver to be cautious. Even if the junction is clear, one should never jump the red light. It can be dangerous and one can be fined too.


Yellow Traffic Light: The Yellow color light tells the driver to get ready as the light will turn to red. So, the driver can start to slow down, if the intersection hasn’t been crossed. Yellow has a shorter wavelength than red and indicates warning. It is advised not to jump the yellow light and not to disregard the warning.


Green Traffic Light: The green light tells that one can go ahead. The green color is the opposite of the red color and relaxes the eyes and offers a safe way to the commuters. Green indicates a pleasing mood, so one can move forward.


Traffic Signal Rules

It is always good and advisable to follow the traffic lights and signals. Along with these, the following pointers come in handy to be a perfect driver:


  • Put on your seat belts. 
  • Use hand signals if your vehicle’s lights aren’t working.
  • Don’t keep swerving the lanes, unless it’s urgent.
  • Try not to honk.
  • Even if the light is green, look for the vehicles passing by, from other directions.
  • Pedestrians have the right of way, so be kind to them and let them cross first.
  • Stop before the zebra crossing.

To sum it up, traffic signals are really helpful in:

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