Traffic Signal Color Sequence Standards: R Y G Phasing Worldwide
Introduction
The red-yellow-green phasing is universal, but the exact sequence and the duration of each colour vary by country. Exporting traffic signals requires knowing the colour sequence used in the destination market. This guide covers the major standards.
The Universal Sequence
Almost every traffic signal in the world follows the same colour sequence:
1. Red (stop) 2. Red + Yellow (about to change to green, used in some countries) 3. Green (go) 4. Yellow (caution, prepare to stop) 5. Back to Red
The sequence may include an "all red" interval between phases for safety. The duration of yellow and all-red varies by national standard.
MUTCD (United States)
MUTCD specifies:
- Yellow change interval: typically 3-6 seconds, based on approach speed
- All-red clearance interval: 1-2 seconds
- Red clearance (red + yellow): not used
- Pedestrian clearance: flashing don't-walk with countdown timer
GAOQIAO controllers programmed for the US market use these defaults but can be tuned per intersection.
EN12368 (Europe and Export)
EN12368 specifies:
- Yellow change interval: similar to MUTCD, 3-5 seconds
- All-red clearance: 1-3 seconds
- Red + yellow (red/amber): used in many EU countries as a "prepare to go" indication
- Pedestrian clearance: countdown standard in most EU countries
China GB14886
China's GB14886 uses:
- Yellow change interval: 3-5 seconds
- All-red clearance: 1-3 seconds
- Red + green simultaneous: not used
- Pedestrian clearance: flashing green with countdown timer
GAOQIAO controllers support all three standards plus Vienna Convention variants.
Featured Products
GAOQIAO supplies traffic signal controllers and signal heads programmed to your destination country's standard. See the international standards guide.
Conclusion
The colour sequence is universal, but the duration and the use of red+yellow varies by country. GAOQIAO controllers are pre-configured for your destination market. Send us the destination country and we will return a properly configured controller.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does every country use red-yellow-green?
Yes, with very few historical exceptions. The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals standardised the colours, and most countries adopted it.
Can a controller support multiple colour sequence standards?
Yes. GAOQIAO controllers are configurable for any standard. Specify the destination country at order time.
What is the all-red interval for?
All-red clears the intersection before the conflicting phase gets green. Standard interval is 1-3 seconds depending on the intersection width and the speed limit.
Relevant GAOQIAO products
These public GAOQIAO catalogue pages are related to the guide. Open them for the representative description, then confirm the latest drawing and configuration before ordering.
- Traffic signal controllersWired and solar controllers with 6, 22, 44 and 56 output options.
- LED traffic signal heads200mm, 300mm and 400mm signal heads with MUTCD, EN12368, GB14886 compliance.
- Signal polesVertical, signal arm and double-arm poles for any intersection geometry.
- Spare parts and accessoriesSpare LED modules, lenses, visors, surge arrestors and anchor bolts.