Red Light Wait Time
How much of your life have you spent waiting at that red glow?
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That's about — hours!
That's enough time to read — books.
How We Calculate This
Our red light wait time calculator uses a simple but eye-opening formula:
Daily wait = Red lights × Average wait time
We then multiply by your driving days per week, weeks per year, and years of driving (estimated from age minus 18) to get your lifetime total.
Data sources: Average wait times are based on transportation studies from major cities. The typical red light cycle ranges from 45-90 seconds depending on the intersection and city. Urban drivers encounter 8-15 red lights per commute on average.
Note: This is an estimate for fun and curiosity. Actual times vary based on your specific routes and driving patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the average red light?
In most cities, traffic lights are programmed for cycles between 45-90 seconds. Busy intersections in major cities like New York or Los Angeles can have cycles up to 120 seconds. The average across all US intersections is approximately 45-60 seconds.
How many red lights does the average driver hit per day?
Urban commuters typically encounter 8-15 red lights per trip. This varies significantly based on your route, city infrastructure, and time of day. Highway drivers hit fewer lights, while downtown commuters may face 20+ per trip.
Is this calculation accurate?
This calculator provides an estimate for entertainment and curiosity purposes. Real-world wait times vary based on traffic patterns, signal timing, and your specific routes. It's designed to give you a surprising perspective on everyday habits.
Which city has the longest red light waits?
Los Angeles consistently ranks among cities with the longest traffic delays, with drivers spending over 100 hours per year in traffic. Major Asian cities like Tokyo and Istanbul also have notoriously long signal cycles at busy intersections.
Calculate for Your City
Traffic patterns vary by city. Try one with local data: