How to Draw a Traffic Light (Easy Step by Step)
A traffic light is a fun thing to draw because it is built from just a few simple shapes. You only need a tall rounded rectangle, three circles, three curved arches, and a pole with a flat base. Once you can draw one light, you just repeat it two more times.
- Easy
- 10 minutes
- 6 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a traffic light step by step
How to Draw a Traffic Light · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: The tall box
Draw a tall rectangle with big rounded corners, like a long pill standing up. This is the box that holds all the lights.
Step 2: The top light
Near the top inside the box, draw a small circle. Then draw a curved arch over it like a little roof, with both ends hanging down on either side.
Step 3: The middle light
Halfway down the box, draw a circle the same size as the first one. Add an arch over it, lining it up right under the top light.
Step 4: The bottom light
Near the bottom of the box, draw a third circle and give it an arch roof too. Try to make all three lights match.
Step 5: The pole
Under the box, draw two short straight lines going down from the bottom edge. They make a pole for the traffic light to stand on.
Step 6: The base
At the bottom of the pole, draw a wide, flat rounded rectangle. The pole lines should touch the top of it so the light stands steady.
All done!
Go over your lines with a marker, then color it in.
Finished your traffic light? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a stop sign or how to draw a fire hydrant next.
Tips for drawing a traffic light
- Draw the three circles about the same size. Make the first one, then look at it as you draw the next two.
- Leave an even gap between the lights so the box looks neat. Use your pencil to measure the space before you draw each one.
- Start each arch on one side of the circle, curve it over the top, and bring it down the other side. Go slowly so both ends stay the same height.
Free traffic light coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this traffic light coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your traffic light drawing
Color the top circle red, the middle one yellow, and the bottom one green, and use dark gray for the box. For a creative twist, turn on only one light and make the other two dull and dark.
Traffic light fun fact for kids
The first traffic light was set up in London in 1868, near the Houses of Parliament. It had red and green arms and used gas lamps at night. Today's lights use bright, long-lasting LEDs.
Questions about drawing a traffic light
What shapes do I need to draw a traffic light?
You need a tall rectangle with rounded corners, three circles, and three curved arches. The pole is two straight lines, and the base is a flat rounded rectangle.
How do I make my traffic light look neat?
Draw the three circles the same size and space them evenly down the box. A light pencil line down the middle can help you keep them lined up.
What colors are the lights on a traffic light?
The top light is red for stop, the middle is yellow for slow down, and the bottom is green for go. In most places the red light is at the top.
