Can You Make NJ Stoplights Change Faster by Flashing Lights?

🔴   Does flashing your headlights help speed up the red light cycle?

🔴   Where you actually stop at an intersection CAN speed the cycle

🔴   What are the buttons at crosswalks for?  You may be surprised.

Have you ever been at a red light, watching someone across the way flash their headlights like a disco strobe?

You might think they’ve cracked the secret code to make the light turn green.

Spoiler alert: they haven’t.

But let’s explore how stoplights in New Jersey work,  and separate fact from fiction.

First, the flashing headlights trick.

The myth is that your car’s headlights can trigger some magical sensor that changes the light.

Well, it’s partially true—but not for ordinary drivers.

Certain traffic lights have sensors called preemption infrared devices, designed for emergency vehicles.

These devices respond to a special infrared signal, not your regular headlights.

So, unless you’re driving an ambulance (and pressing a secret button), flashing your lights is just a workout for your fingers.

But here’s something that does work: position matters!

Pull up to the white stop line or crosswalk.

If you leave too much space between your car and the line,

Or if you cross over the line,

you may be stuck sitting through a few cycles.

That's because many stoplights have ground sensors or cameras to detect waiting cars.

If you’re too far back—or if you’re treating the crosswalk like a parking space—the light might not know you’re there. That’s how you end up in the “eternal red light purgatory.”

Speaking of cameras, those little devices perched on stoplights aren’t spying on you—they’re just there to detect vehicles, especially those waiting to turn. So, no need to wave nervously.

Now, about those buttons at crosswalks: you know, the ones you jab repeatedly like they’re an elevator button that’ll speed things up?

They’re not instant light-changers. Instead, they signal the light to include a pedestrian-friendly crossing phase in its next cycle. It’s a polite nudge to the system, not a fast pass.

And let’s debunk a few other myths while we’re at it: honking your horn, yelling at the light, or rocking your car like a rollercoaster won’t make a difference.

The science of stoplights might be more complex than you’d think, but the lesson is simple: patience is key. Or, at the very least, bring snacks for the ride.