Red Light Wait Time in Los Angeles
LA drivers spend 102 hours per year in traffic. How much is just red lights?
LA drivers spend an average of 102 hours per year stuck in traffic, the highest in the US.
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That's about — hours!
You could have driven to San Francisco and back — times.
How We Calculate LA Wait Time
This calculator uses Los Angeles-specific traffic data to estimate your red light wait time:
Formula: Daily wait = Red lights × Average wait time per light
LA averages 90 seconds per red light — among the longest in the US. The city's sprawling layout and car-dependent culture means drivers hit an average of 15 red lights per commute, contributing to LA's reputation as the most congested city in America.
LA Data: Based on INRIX traffic studies showing LA drivers spend 102 hours per year in traffic. The 405 and 101 freeways are notorious for long signal waits at exits.
LA Traffic FAQs
Why is LA traffic so bad?
LA's car-dependent infrastructure, sprawling layout, and population of 10+ million creates persistent congestion. Unlike cities with strong public transit, 88% of LA commuters drive alone, leading to 102 hours of annual traffic delays per driver.
What's the average commute time in Los Angeles?
The average LA commute is 31 minutes one-way, but during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) this can easily double. The 405 freeway regularly sees 2+ hour delays during peak times.
Which LA streets have the longest red lights?
Wilshire Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, and Santa Monica Boulevard are known for exceptionally long signal cycles, often 90-120 seconds. Major intersections like La Cienega and Beverly can have cycles exceeding 2 minutes.