# Cities use green lights to reward slower drivers

> A traffic signal strategy called 'rest in red' gives careful drivers more green lights while speeders hit more reds.
- Title: Cities use green lights to reward slower drivers | Shortify
- Summary: A traffic signal strategy called 'rest in red' gives careful drivers more green lights while speeders hit more reds. Driving at the speed limit can now mean…
- Keywords: rest in red, traffic lights, speeding, road safety, albuquerque, portland, traffic signals, speed enforcement, pedestrian safety, traffic technology, Cities, use
- Source: Family Handyman — https://familyhandyman.com/article/rest-in-red-green-lights-speeding-drivers
- Author: Alex Shoemaker
- Published: 2026-09-17T19:31:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rest in red, traffic lights, speeding, road safety, albuquerque, portland, traffic signals, speed enforcement, pedestrian safety, traffic technology
## Frustration becomes motivation
Some cities are timing traffic lights to reward drivers who follow the speed limit. Faster drivers are more likely to stop at red lights.
## How rest in red works
Traffic lights stay red when no vehicles approach. Sensors detect approaching cars and can trigger the light to turn green.
## Speed sensors reward compliance
Some cities use speed sensors to give drivers traveling at or below the speed limit an earlier green light. Speeders have to wait longer.
## Albuquerque leads the way
Albuquerque uses rest in red along Lead and Coal Avenues. The system has contributed to calmer traffic and increased safety.

> If you come to Albuquerque right now and you're driving that corridor, you will learn pretty quickly that if you are speeding, you stop.
## Slower speeds save lives
A pedestrian struck at 40 mph is eight times more likely to die than one struck at 20 mph. Lower speeds reduce crash severity.
## Different from green waves
Rest in red starts with a red light and uses the promise of an earlier green to slow drivers. Green waves time multiple lights for steady flow.
## Best for light traffic
Portland mainly uses rest in red when traffic is light and open roads make speeding more likely. Busy intersections may need different setups.
## Still being tested nationwide
Researchers are studying possible downsides, including whether drivers become more likely to run red lights. More testing is needed before widespread adoption.
## Key takeaway

Driving at the speed limit can now mean hitting more green lights in cities using 'rest in red' technology.