Hacking Traffic Lights with a Laptop

A study by computer scientists from the University of Michigan shows how easy it is to hack and control traffic lights.

1 minute read

August 22, 2014, 7:00 AM PDT

By Maayan Dembo @DJ_Mayjahn


As reported on Vox, using only a laptop and wireless card that operates at the wirelessly operated traffic light frequency (5.8 gigahertz), the scientists controlled a number of intersections within Michigan. By hacking into the system, the study was able to "alter the normal timing pattern of the lights, turning all the lights along a given route green, for instance, or freezing an intersection with all reds."

About 62 percent of traffic lights throughout the nation are connected to ensure communications with central operations hubs to optimize traffic congestion. However, these systems currently lack the architecture for security and preventing attacks.

According to Joseph Stromberg, once the researchers accessed the network, "they could use a series of simple commands to freeze the traffic lights in their current state, or turn all lights red, or alter the timing of the light changes. The one thing they couldn't do was give all sides of an intersection a green light."

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 in Vox

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.