Waze looks like it is finally taking baby steps toward putting traffic lights on its map – a feature users have been begging for, especially since rival Google Maps has had it since 2022. While this update is currently super limited and not widely available yet, it marks a real change for the navigation app, which has usually cared more about live alerts from drivers than static map details.
Traffic lights quietly enter Waze maps
What happened: According to a report from GeekTime, Waze is currently testing traffic light icons in Israel. The feature is reportedly in a very early experimental stage, with specific restrictions meant to keep the screen from looking messy.
When you are actually navigating to a destination, Waze reportedly shows only the next three traffic lights along your route. This seems like a purposeful choice to keep the map readable and stop drivers from getting distracted.
However, the behavior changes when navigation is off. In that mode, Waze apparently shows every nearby traffic light around you, giving you a better look at the intersections nearby. This split approach suggests Waze is still trying to figure out the balance between being helpful and being overwhelming, especially since the screen is already packed with icons for potholes, police, and traffic jams.
Right now, the test is stuck with a small group of users in Israel, with no word on when – or if – it will hit other countries.
Why this matters and what could come next
Why this is important: Traffic lights might sound like a small tweak, but they actually make a huge difference in situational awareness, especially in busy cities. Knowing a light is coming up helps you anticipate stops, manage your speed, and avoid slamming on the brakes. For Waze, which has always been about dynamic data like accidents, this is a pivot toward providing more permanent road info.
Why you should care: If you are a loyal Waze user, you have probably noticed this feature’s absence – especially if you ever swap over to Google Maps. Traffic lights give you context and make driving on new roads feel a lot less unpredictable. Even with the current limits, this test proves Waze is finally fixing a major hole in its feature list.
What’s next: Waze admitted back in May that traffic lights were on the to-do list, so this test is likely just the start. Since Google owns Waze, the app could eventually just borrow Google Maps’ massive database for regions like the US. For now, though, there is no timeline for a global launch, so Waze fans will just have to be patient while Google Maps keeps enjoying the advantage.