TECHNOLOGY

Some US cities have begun rewarding careful drivers with fewer red lights

PUBLISHED Aug 29, 2026, 10:42 AM ET

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Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Portland, Oregon, are using a novel traffic strategy that rewards law-abiding drivers with fewer red lights, a departure from traditional punishment-based enforcement. The system, an evolution of the 'rest in red' concept, uses speed sensors to grant an early green light to drivers at or below the speed limit, while speeding triggers a red light [citation:1][citation:2]. Albuquerque credits the approach with a dramatic drop in crashes and injuries on Lead and Coal Avenues, with resident Isaac Romero noting a significant reduction in nighttime racing and accidents [citation:1][citation:2]. Portland reports that at its first intersection on Southeast Powell Boulevard, average speeds dropped from 39 mph to the 30 mph limit [citation:1][citation:6]. While early results are promising, officials and researchers, including Oregon State University's David Hurwitz, caution that further study is needed to ensure the gains are not offset by unintended consequences like increased red-light running [citation:1][citation:6].

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2019 — Report surveyed US cities on speed management, found LA briefly testing rest-in-red.
2024 — Albuquerque first installed rest-in-red technology along Lead and Coal Avenues.
2024 — Portland launched rest-in-red on Southeast Powell Boulevard between 21st and 33rd.
2024 — Portland's first intersection test lowered average speed from 39 mph to 30.
On March 5 2026 Albuquerque announced expanding rest-in-red to six more intersections.
On March 5 2026 Albuquerque to install speed camera and new striping for safety.
On August 28 2026 AP reported positive early results and expert cautions on the programs.
Oregon State University researchers are assessing Portland's system performance.
Portland plans to expand the rest-in-red technology to Southeast 82nd Avenue.
More U.S. cities may adopt the strategy if long-term studies prove its effectiveness.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Localized speed reduction in Albuquerque and Portland corridors.
Possible long-term US impact: Potential model for addressing urban speeding without heavy enforcement.
Most affected groups: Residents and drivers on high-speed residential corridors in pilot cities.
Reader priority: Follow local city council meetings for expansion votes near you.