Traffic light lanyards use three colours to let people show how they would like to interact, without having to say it. They became popular for social distancing. Today they are used at conferences, networking events, schools, colleges and workplaces as a simple signal.

How traffic light lanyards work

Colour What it usually means
Green Happy to chat and be approached
Yellow Happy to talk, prefers to keep some space
Red Prefers not to be approached right now

Agree the meanings in advance and display them. Our traffic light lanyards come with free downloadable posters that explain each colour.

Where traffic light lanyards are used

  • Conferences and networking events: delegates show whether they are open to new conversations.
  • Schools and colleges: a quiet way for students to signal how they feel, with no explanation needed.
  • Workplaces: useful at busy times or for staff returning after a long absence.
  • Training courses and clubs: helps new attendees feel comfortable.

Choosing traffic light lanyards

Our traffic light lanyards are 10mm wide with a plastic safety breakaway clip. Mix the quantity of each colour to suit your event. For branded lanyards in red, yellow and green, see our custom printed lanyards. Read what is a lanyard? for more on widths and breakaway safety.

Frequently asked questions

What do traffic light lanyards mean? Green means happy to chat. Yellow means happy to talk but prefers some space. Red means prefers not to be approached.

Are traffic light lanyards safe to wear? Yes. Ours have a breakaway clip that releases if the lanyard is pulled or snagged.

Can traffic light lanyards be printed with our logo? Yes. Custom printed lanyards are available in red, yellow and green.