Modern cars are packed with features that range from gimmicky to genuinely game-changing. Some help you park, others warn you about lane drift, and a few even predict traffic patterns. But one feature available in certain luxury vehicles might actually help keep you calm during those seemingly endless red lights. This traffic light expert is here to explain how this technology actually works and why. Traffic Light Feature on Luxury Car In a viral Facebook video, content creator Steven (@trafficlightdoctorsteven), who refers to himself as a traffic light expert, responded to footage showing a Bentley's dashboard red light countdown feature in action. In the Bentley video, a small digital traffic light appears on the dashboard, displaying red, along with a 10-second countdown showing exactly when the light will turn green. "If you're anything like me, you're probably watching that video wondering, ‘How does that vehicle know it's about to get a green light at a traffic intersection?’" Steven says. To explain how it works, Steven opens a traffic signal controller cabinet (the box that manages traffic lights at intersections). "This system right here is tied to all the lights in the field, this controller, and even tied to this little thermostat up here that controls this fan for this signal controller cabinet," he explains. The key to the technology lies on top of the cabinet: a GPS and cellular antenna that enables communication between the traffic control system and vehicles on the road. This connectivity allows equipped vehicles to receive real-time information about traffic signal timing. "On top of the cabinet, it has a GPS and a cellular antenna that allows it to have communication between your vehicles on the road," Steven says. The same system serves another critical purpose beyond helping luxury car owners avoid impatient waiting at red lights. Steven notes that the GPS system is also used to provide priority signals for emergency vehicles. "It also uses that GPS system to allow fire departments, police officers, and ambulances to get green lights at intersections," he explains. Gallery: 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed How Smart Traffic Light Systems Work The technology Steven showed off is part of a bigger shift in how traffic lights operate, called Vehicle-to-Infrastructure communication. Basically, modern traffic lights aren't just dumb boxes that change on a timer anymore. They're connected to the internet and can actually talk to cars. According to Intellias, these smart traffic systems use Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, and GPS to communicate with vehicles on the road. The system works by collecting information from sensors and cameras at the intersection, then uses computers to analyze traffic patterns in real time. Leotek explains that instead of just following a preset schedule like old-school traffic lights, these smart signals can actually adapt on the fly, adjusting timing based on how much traffic is actually there, whether there's been an accident, or if it's rush hour. Gallery: Audi first to launch Traffic Light Information tech in U.S. Emergency Vehicles Get Priority Too Studies show that for every minute emergency medical help is delayed, the chance of survival drops by 7% to 10%, Intellias explained. In Fairfax County, Virginia, the preemption system saved emergency vehicles 30 to 45 seconds at each intersection. That might not sound like much, but when someone's having a heart attack, those seconds matter. The benefits go beyond just helping emergency responders. Leotek notes that these smart traffic systems reduce overall traffic congestion, cut down on the time people spend idling at red lights (which means less pollution), and improve road safety. Research from Carnegie Mellon University found that adaptive traffic signals can reduce average travel times by 25%, cut wait times at lights by 40%, and lower emissions by 20%. Commenters React “How about just mounting a timer on the traffic light itself? Then all cars benefit!” a person pointed out. “If I have a red light in my dash, it’s the engine and not the traffic signal,” another joked. “Where I'm from we just watched the crosswalk countdown timer. Some of them even talk to you, for the blind,” a commenter said. Motor1 reached out to Steven for comment via Facebook direct message and comment. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team