Should you put an automatic car in neutral at traffic lights?

In most modern cars, no—leave the transmission in Drive and hold the car with the brake or Auto Hold; shift to Neutral only in specific circumstances recommended by your owner’s manual (such as some dual‑clutch gearboxes during very long waits). This approach preserves instant maneuverability, keeps systems like stop‑start and Auto Hold working, and avoids unnecessary shifting.

What automakers and instructors generally advise

Contemporary automatics are engineered to idle safely and efficiently in Drive. Manufacturers and advanced driving instructors typically recommend keeping the car in Drive at lights, using the foot brake or an Auto Hold/parking brake for longer waits. This keeps the vehicle ready to move, maintains intended lubrication and cooling for the transmission, and preserves safety features that depend on the car being in gear. Always check your owner’s manual for transmission‑specific guidance.

How different transmissions behave at a standstill

Automatic isn’t just one technology. What’s “best” at a stop can vary with the transmission design and software.

• Torque‑converter automatics (traditional autos): Designed to idle in Drive with minimal load; fuel saved by selecting Neutral is negligible. Frequent shifts between D and N offer no real benefit and can add wear.
• CVTs: Similar to torque‑converter autos at idle; leaving the lever in Drive is normally recommended.
• Dual‑clutch transmissions (DCTs): Modern systems usually open clutches when the brake is held, but heat management varies. In very long, hot waits, some makers advise Neutral to reduce clutch heat—consult your manual.
• Automated manuals (single‑clutch): Often behave like DCTs; Neutral can help during extended stops if the manual specifies.
• Hybrids: The engine often shuts off in Drive; shifting to Neutral can disable energy recovery and, on some models, prevent charging. Manufacturers typically advise against Neutral at lights.
• EVs: Usually hold safely in Drive with Auto Hold. Neutral can disable hold and regeneration and is generally unnecessary at lights.

Understanding your car’s specific system is key. When in doubt, Drive plus brake (or Auto Hold) is the safe default across most platforms.

Pros of shifting to Neutral at a red light

A few perceived advantages lead some drivers to consider Neutral while stationary.

• Potential clutch heat relief on some DCT/automated manuals during long, hot waits.
• Slight reduction in creep load for older or poorly calibrated automatics (usually marginal benefit).
• Personal comfort preference if your car creeps noticeably and you don’t use Auto Hold.

These pros are narrow and situational. Modern control logic often delivers the same or better outcomes without leaving Drive.

Cons of shifting to Neutral at a red light

There are broader downsides that apply to many vehicles and scenarios.

• Safety delay: You lose immediate drive‑off capability if you need to move quickly to avoid a hazard.
• Stop‑start disruption: Many systems only stop the engine in Drive with the brake applied; Neutral can prevent the fuel‑saving stop.
• Feature loss: Auto Hold, hill‑hold, and creep logic may not behave as intended in Neutral.
• Wear from unnecessary shifting: Frequent D↔N↔D changes add shifts with little benefit.
• Hybrid/EV quirks: Neutral can disable regeneration and, in some hybrids, prevent battery charging while stationary.
• Etiquette and visibility: If you rely on foot brake, brake lights stay on; if you shift to Neutral and release the brake without Auto Hold or parking brake, the car can roll.

For most drivers in most cars, these drawbacks outweigh any theoretical gains from selecting Neutral.

When you might use Neutral

There are limited, valid cases where Neutral is reasonable or recommended.

• Long, predictable stops in very hot conditions with some DCT/automated manuals, if the owner’s manual suggests using Neutral to reduce clutch heat.
• During extended rail crossings or gridlock where you’ll be stopped several minutes and your automaker explicitly endorses Neutral for your transmission.
• Diagnostics or towing scenarios following the procedures in the manual.

These are exceptions. Always defer to the specific guidance for your vehicle and transmission.

When you should not use Neutral

In several common situations, Neutral is ill‑advised or explicitly discouraged.

• Normal red lights and short stops: Modern autos are designed to idle in Drive.
• On slopes without Auto Hold/parking brake applied: Risk of roll‑away.
• In hybrids/EVs: Can disable regeneration and, on some hybrids, stop battery charging at a standstill.
• Any scenario demanding quick response: Staying in Drive preserves instant acceleration.

In these circumstances, leaving the car in Drive with proper braking is the safer, more efficient choice.

Better alternatives at a red light

If you want comfort, efficiency, and courtesy without compromising control, consider these practices.

• Stay in Drive and hold the foot brake; let stop‑start work if equipped.
• Use Auto Hold or the parking brake for longer waits; this reduces foot fatigue and prevents creep.
• If the wait will be very long, use Drive with parking brake or, if the manual recommends it for your gearbox, select Neutral—then re‑select Drive before moving.
• Avoid selecting Park at lights; if rear‑ended, the parking pawl can be stressed. Reserve Park for true parking.

These approaches keep the car stable, ready to move, and compatible with efficiency features.

Fuel economy and wear: what really changes

For torque‑converter automatics and CVTs, fuel savings from Neutral at idle are negligible. Modern ECUs minimize idle load in Drive, and stop‑start systems harvest far larger gains by shutting the engine off. Repeated D↔N↔D cycling adds unnecessary shifts with little upside. For DCTs/automated manuals, Neutral can reduce clutch heat only in specific conditions; many systems already disengage clutches when you hold the brake. In hybrids and EVs, Neutral usually hurts efficiency by disabling regen and, in some hybrids, can create a battery management issue at a standstill.

Legal and safety notes

Rules vary by country and state, but a few principles are consistent.

• Coasting in Neutral while moving can be illegal and unsafe; this is distinct from being stopped at a light.
• Leaving a vehicle “unattended” without securing it (e.g., not using the parking brake on a slope) can breach local regulations.
• Brake‑light etiquette differs regionally; Auto Hold keeps brake lamps illuminated in many cars, which is acceptable and often safer.

Check local laws and your manual, but none require shifting to Neutral at traffic lights, and safety guidance favors remaining in gear.

Summary

For most modern automatics, keep the car in Drive at traffic lights and hold it with the brake or Auto Hold. This preserves instant control, keeps efficiency systems working, and avoids needless shifting. Consider Neutral only in transmission‑specific cases—most commonly some dual‑clutch or automated manuals during very long, hot waits—and only if your owner’s manual recommends it. Hybrids and EVs are best left in Drive. When comfort is the goal, use Auto Hold or the parking brake, not Neutral.

Should you put your automatic car in neutral at red lights?

No, you generally should not put an automatic car in neutral at red lights; it is better to leave it in Drive (D) and hold the brake pedal. Shifting to neutral causes extra wear on the transmission’s internal components when engaging back into drive, offers no significant fuel savings, and can create a safety hazard by delaying your vehicle’s response when the light turns green. For longer stops, using the handbrake while still in Drive is a better alternative than shifting to neutral.
 
This video explains the pros and cons of putting an automatic car in neutral at a red light: 57sHow To Car Guy (HowToCarGuy)YouTube · Mar 25, 2014
Why to stay in Drive (D)

• Convenience: Automatic cars are designed for ease of use, and leaving the car in Drive is the intended way to operate them at stops. 
• Immediate Response: Keeping the car in Drive allows for quicker reaction when the light turns green, as there’s no need to shift from neutral. 
• Reduced Transmission Wear: Shifting between gears can cause extra wear and tear, particularly on older transmissions. While in Drive, the car is ready to move, avoiding the added stress of engaging the hydraulics and clutches from a neutral position. 
• No Fuel Savings: The idea that shifting to neutral saves fuel is largely a myth. The transmission components are still under tension and will cause the engine to work similarly to being in Drive, with no real benefit to fuel economy. 

When to consider neutral 

• Long Stoppages: For extended waits, like a very long red light or a train crossing, using the parking brake while the car remains in Drive (or Park) is preferable to shifting to neutral.

When to avoid neutral

• Short Red Lights: Opens in new tabThe time spent at a typical red light is very brief, making the process of shifting to neutral and back unnecessary and potentially harmful to the transmission. 
• Driving Exams: Opens in new tabIn many places, it is a requirement to stay in gear while stopped at an intersection, and shifting to neutral can result in an automatic failure. 

What do you do with an automatic car at traffic lights?

No, you shouldn’t put an automatic in park at the traffic lights, the car should be left in drive and the brake applied. Putting the car in park can put strain on the transmission and stop you from reacting quickly when the lights change.

Should you put your car in neutral when stuck in traffic?

When stopped at a traffic light, it is generally recommended to keep the vehicle in neutral if you anticipate being stopped for an extended period. This reduces strain on the transmission and allows you to rest your foot from the brake pedal.

When should you put an automatic car in neutral?

Use Neutral (N) in an automatic car for emergencies like a stuck accelerator pedal or brake failure, or for non-driving purposes such as when pushing or towing the vehicle. It is generally unnecessary to use neutral at stoplights or for short stops, as leaving the car in Drive (D) is safe and convenient. For prolonged stops, shifting into Park (P) is a better option.
 
You can watch this video to learn when to use neutral in an automatic transmission car: 35sThe AbJ GarageYouTube · Aug 21, 2024
When to use Neutral (N)

• Emergencies: If your accelerator gets stuck or you experience sudden brake failure, shifting to neutral allows the car to coast, giving you time to regain control and find a safe place to stop. 
• Towing or Pushing: To allow the vehicle to roll freely, neutral gear is essential when the vehicle is being towed, pushed, or winched. 
• Manual Car Wash: Some automated car washes require the vehicle to be in neutral to move it freely through the wash cycle. 
• Starting a vehicle (with Engine Off): If a car has stalled and needs to be moved without starting the engine, shifting to neutral can make it easier to roll or push. 

This video demonstrates what happens when you put your car in neutral while driving: 52sMaz500YouTube · Mar 7, 2024
When NOT to use Neutral (N)

• At Traffic Lights: Opens in new tabFor typical stops at traffic lights or in slow traffic, leaving the car in Drive (D) is perfectly safe and more convenient. 
• To Save Fuel (Myth): Opens in new tabWhile some believe coasting in neutral saves fuel, modern automatic transmissions are designed to be efficient in Drive, and the difference is often negligible, if any. 
• To Avoid Transmission Strain: Opens in new tabLeaving the car in Drive while idling does not cause significant strain or overheating; in fact, the engine may run at a higher RPM in neutral, which can be less efficient. 

You can watch this video to learn the best way to shift gears in an automatic transmission car: 1mConquer DrivingYouTube · Aug 28, 2023
What to use instead of Neutral 

• For prolonged stops: If you anticipate a long wait, such as at a long railroad crossing or in heavy traffic, it is best to shift the transmission into Park (P) and apply the parking brake to secure the vehicle.