How much does a stop light cost


Last Updated:  August 15, 2018


Traffic lights are electrically-operated traffic control instruments that control traffic by signaling when to proceed and when to stop.

These devices are regarded as a viable means of controlling traffic, providing the maximum level of control, especially at intersections.

How much does a traffic light cost?

Purchasing a traffic light for personal use can range anywhere from as little as $90 to as much as $300+, and the costs will depend on the type and where it’s purchased from.  Most of the time, these are novelty traffic lights and won’t resemble the ones you see on the road.  Even if you’re able to purchase one that you see on the roads, it won’t be able to function on a timer; instead, a mini-circuit will be wired inside to make the light sequence rotate as it would on the road.

On eBay, for example, a real working used traffic light had a buy it now options ranging from as little as $90 to more than $300.

If you’re talking about the costs the government has to pay, the costs can range anywhere from as little as $80,000 to more than $500,000 to purchase and install the traffic lights.  When you add in the routine maintenance and electric bills, this can be an additional $5,000 to $10,000 a year.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, a modern traffic signal can cost $80,000 to $100,000 to install, depending on the complexity of the location and the characteristics of the traffic in the area.

According to the city of Woodbury, Minnesota, a complete traffic signal for a standard four-way intersection will cost around $250,000 to $300,000.  Other expenses like project inspection and design can bring up the cost to almost $300,000.

As for just the traffic light, without installation factored in, the traffic signal controller alone can cost close to $9,250.  The 16 signal heads can cost a total of $13,350.



What are the extra costs?

Electic bills can average $1,500 a year per traffic light.

In addition to the electric bill, routine maintenance can cost around $8,000 a year.

Every 10 years, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the traffic light signal controller will need to be upgraded, at a cost of $10,000.  Routine timing updates, however, can be less than $3,000 per intersection.


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How much does a stop light cost

Average Reported Cost: $7500

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How much does a brake light bulb replacement cost?

Every car is equipped with brakes as the primary safety system, and the brake lights indicate to other motorists that you intend to slow down or stop.

When you use your brakes in the normal course of operation, the brake lights illuminate then go dim or off instantly, and sometimes, it can be dozens of times every minute.

Eventually, incandescent brake light bulbs will burn out from use. Brake light bulb replacement can be required once a year on some cars and on others, it can be several years, depending on the style of bulb and the usage.

It’s almost always a minimal cost for brake light bulb replacement as a bulb is $5 to $10 and the labour charge is between $10 and $20, although some designs are slightly more.

Cars driven in stop-and-go urban traffic are likely to experience brake light bulb outages two or three times as frequently vehicles used mainly for highway driving. 

What is a brake light bulb?

Most cars on the road today still use an incandescent bulb for brake lights. It’s an automotive bulb similar in design to a household lightbulb with a filament that glows white-hot, shining light all around.

A brake light bulb is mounted inside the taillight assembly and is fed 12-volt electricity through a wired socket.

The brake light bulb circuit is powered up from a relay when the brake pedal is pushed, either lightly or firmly.

When the brake pedal is released completely, the brake lights turn off. Brake light bulbs put off a lot of heat – so much so that you’ll burn yourself if you try to touch an illuminated bulb.

This heat, as well as frequent operation, can cause the filament inside the bulb to burn through.

Power can no longer transmit through the filament, and the bulb will not light up and needs to be replaced.

Symptoms that you require brake light bulb replacement

  • The cruise control will not set
  • One or more brake light bulbs will not illuminate
  • On some high end vehicles, a brake warning light or message will appear on the instrument cluster
How much does a stop light cost

How are brake light bulbs replaced?

  • The boot is opened and the taillamp assembly is removed
  • The brake light bulb socket is removed from the housing
  • The burnt-out bulb is removed from the socket and a new bulb is fitted
  • The taillamp assembly is refitted and the technician confirms the bulb’s operation

Tips to remember

  • The centre high mount stop lamp should always be operating as well
  • LED brake lights are not serviceable individually; the complete assembly must be replaced
  • To prevent burns, do not test brake light bulb operation while touching the bulb

How important is brake light bulb replacement?

Brake light bulbs are installed for safety sake, both for you and other motorists. A burnt-out brake light doesn’t allow the proper warning for cars behind you and can result in frustration, close calls, and potentially an accident.

While all of your car’s lights are important, the brake lights are perhaps the most important indicators to keep you, your passengers, and others around you out of harm’s way.

If you’ve read this far, you obviously care about your car. A lot. So next time you need a service, repair or inspection, visit AutoGuru.com.au.

We let you search and book from over 1,600 qualified mechanics, who eat car troubles for breakfast.

How much does it cost to replace a stoplight?

Changing a faulty brake light is something anyone can learn to do. A replacement bulb costs about $10, and replacing it on your own will save about $20 in labor and the time it takes to travel to the shop and wait for the work to be done.

How much do traffic lights cost in Australia?

They make it safer for road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. They cost less than roundabouts and do not take up as much space. Council installs new traffic signals each year that cost from $500,000 to over $5,000,000.

How much does a traffic light cost uk?

Although lights cost around £125 to install — the equivalent of around £20,000 today — it was cheaper in the long run than employing a policeman on the equivalent of £400 per week. Ever since then, traffic lights have spawned and multiplied on our streets.

How big is a stop light to a person?

How tall are typical traffic signals? About 3½ feet, though they look much smaller from a distance, behind a windshield.