Horizontal traffic lights are common in some parts of the U.S. and can confuse drivers unfamiliar with them. Here’s what you need to know about their meaning and why they're used.
Why Some Traffic Lights Are Sideways—And How to Read Them
Published on Jun. 20, 2025
A sideways traffic light might look strange at first, but it’s fully functional and intentional. In several U.S. states, horizontal traffic lights are the standard. They display the same red, yellow, and green signals as vertical ones, just arranged from left to right.
If you’ve never seen one before, the layout can be surprising, but the meaning doesn’t change. Knowing how to read a horizontal traffic light and why it’s used can prevent hesitation and help you drive with confidence in unfamiliar areas.
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Where Are Horizontal Traffic Lights Most Common?
You’ll often see horizontal traffic lights in places with strong winds, hurricanes, or heavy snow, like Florida, Texas, New Mexico, and parts of the Midwest. This design holds up better in tough weather and puts less pressure on the poles.
They also work well where there’s very little vertical space. On narrow roads or under low signs, horizontal lights fit without causing problems. Once an area uses this style, they usually keep it for consistency.
These lights can be mounted above intersections or on poles by the roadside. No matter where they are, their meaning doesn’t change. Pay attention to the colors, not the position, and you’ll always know what to do.
Reading Horizontal Signals Safely
Horizontal traffic lights work the same as the ones you’re used to. Red means stop, yellow means slow down or prepare to stop, and green means go. These colors and their meanings are the same everywhere in the U.S.
If you’re color blind, the position helps too—red is always on the left, yellow in the middle, and green on the right. Many modern signals use bright LEDs and backplates to make the lights easy to see in any weather or lighting.
Other Traffic Light Variations
Besides horizontal lights, you’ll see other types that work a bit differently. Some intersections use arrow signals to show exactly when it’s safe to turn left or right without crossing traffic. Pedestrian signals with countdown timers tell you how many seconds you have to cross.
Flashing lights are also common. Flashing yellow means proceed with caution, and flashing red means stop completely, like a stop sign. These usually appear at less busy intersections or late at night.
You might also notice traffic lights with multiple heads stacked vertically or horizontally for better visibility. Newer systems use bright LEDs and adjust timing based on traffic conditions. These variations help keep traffic flowing safely and smoothly.
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