# U.S. cities pilot ‘rest in red’ traffic signals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-cities-pilot-rest-in-red-traffic-signals > Updated: 2026-09-08T08:26:55.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Several U.S. cities are piloting a traffic signal strategy known as ‘rest in red’ to combat speeding and improve road safety. Unlike traditional systems, this technology defaults signals to red and uses sensors to detect approaching vehicles. Drivers who adhere to the posted speed limit are rewarded with earlier green lights, while those speeding are forced to wait longer at red lights. Initial implementations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Portland, Oregon, have shown positive results. In Portland, average speeds on tested corridors dropped from 39 mph to the 30 mph limit. Albuquerque reported a significant decrease in accidents and injuries on specific avenues. Broader trials in other locations, such as North Carolina, have led to a 43% reduction in overall accidents. While some critics express concern regarding potential increases in red-light violations, proponents describe the system as a ‘virtual speed bump’ that incentivizes safe driving through rewards. The strategy has been tested or utilized in various cities, including Long Beach, California, and Boulder, Colorado. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: U.S. cities pilot ‘rest in red’ traffic signals to reduce speeding U.S. cities like Portland and Albuquerque are testing ‘rest in red’ traffic signals, which reward speed-limit-compliant drivers with green lights while forcing speeders to stop at red lights. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-cities-pilot-rest-in-red-traffic-signals-to-reduce-speeding ### 2026-08-29: Albuquerque and Portland use speed sensors to reward safe drivers Albuquerque and Portland are using speed-sensitive traffic signals to reward law-abiding drivers with fewer red lights, aiming to reduce high-speed crashes and improve road safety. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/albuquerque-and-portland-use-speed-sensors-to-reward-safe-drivers --- Cite as: U.S. cities pilot ‘rest in red’ traffic signals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-cities-pilot-rest-in-red-traffic-signals