3 Minutes
Waze is quietly testing a small but practical update that could sharpen its edge against Google Maps: visual traffic lights on the navigation map. After years of user requests, the feature is live in limited testing — with strict rules to keep the map clean and drivers focused.
What’s new: traffic lights arrive on Waze
Waze has begun rolling out support for showing traffic lights inside its navigation view. The company, long known for live driving data like congestion and hazards, is finally bringing a visual cue that many drivers asked for. Google Maps added similar traffic-light indicators back in 2022, so this move narrows a visible gap between the two apps.
How the test works — simplicity first
The current implementation is intentionally conservative. During active navigation, Waze will display a maximum of three traffic lights at a time. That cap is designed to avoid cluttering the screen and distracting drivers. Yet when you open the map without turn-by-turn navigation, the app shows all nearby signals around your current location, giving a fuller view of nearby intersections.
Testing limits and rollout questions
Right now the feature is available only in Israel and remains in early testing. Waze hasn’t announced a global rollout date, and it’s unclear whether the strict display limits will change before wider release. The company previously confirmed traffic lights were on its roadmap, and early testers will likely influence how the feature scales.
Why this matters for drivers and for Waze
Adding traffic lights is a small UX tweak with outsized benefits: better intersection awareness, slightly improved route planning decisions, and fewer surprises at complex junctions. For Waze, it’s a strategic update — especially since the app is owned by Google and could potentially leverage existing traffic-signal data from Google Maps in markets like the U.S., rather than building everything from scratch.
Imagine approaching a busy crossroad: seeing the signal icon on the map helps you anticipate stops and lane choices. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s precisely the kind of practical polish that drivers appreciate.
What to watch next
- Will Waze extend the test beyond Israel and loosen the three-light cap?
- Will the service use Google’s existing signal data in some countries?
- How quickly will the feature roll out to users on older devices before legacy support ends?
For now, the update is subtle and cautious — a deliberate step toward richer, clearer navigation. Keep an eye on release notes and local beta channels if you want to be among the first to test the change where available.
Leave a Comment