If You're Stuck At a Stoplight, Here's How to Let The Sensor Know

 If You're Stuck At a Stoplight, Here's How to Let The Sensor Know

Some traffic lights use infrared sensors or cameras to detect vehicles. Flashing your high beams can help these sensors recognize your presence by detecting the change in light or heat from your vehicle.

Getting stuck at a red light can be frustrating, especially when it feels like the light just isn't changing for you. But before you start honking or thinking the traffic signal is broken, it's important to understand how stoplights work and what you can do to ensure they detect your vehicle. Here's a guide on how to interact with traffic light sensors effectively.

Traffic lights are more sophisticated than they appear. They don't just change colors on a timer; many use sensors to detect vehicles at an intersection. These sensors play a crucial role in managing traffic flow, ensuring that vehicles aren't stuck waiting at a red light longer than necessary. Common types of sensors include induction loops, infrared sensors, and cameras.¹

“A loop is simply a coil of wire placed underneath the pavement. When a large metal object is positioned over the loop, it affects the loop's magnetic field,” explains the public works department in Neenah, Wisconsin.²

. . . "One of the most important factors in getting the stoplight to recognize your vehicle is proper positioning. When you approach an intersection, make sure to pull up to the designated stop line or, if there isn't one, wait behind the crosswalk. If you're too far back, the sensors might not detect your vehicle, leaving you stuck at the light. For motorcyclists and bicyclists, who often struggle with triggering these sensors, positioning the tires on the tar lines of the induction loop can help. These lines are usually visible on the pavement before the stop line." . . .More