Traffic lights are something drivers encounter almost every day. And even though they’ve been looked at countless times, most drivers barely even notice some of the subtle details about them.

One detail that stands out at some intersections is a bright yellow border around the traffic lights. It’s a small change to a familiar piece of road equipment, and it can make a difference at busy intersections. Learn what the borders do and why they’re not on every traffic light.

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What Do Yellow Reflective Borders Around Traffic Lights Mean?

Why Do Some Traffic Lights Have Yellow Borders While Others Don’t?

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What Do Yellow Reflective Borders Around Traffic Lights Mean?

The yellow borders around traffic lights are strips of reflective material attached to a black panel called a backplate. Much like reflective road signs, they catch vehicle headlights and help drivers spot traffic signals at night.…