Abstract: A system and method for pre-warning a driver of a vehicle when the vehicle is approaching a traffic light or warning sign. Transmitters of highly directional energy are installed at the traffic lights and/or signs while receivers for this radiant energy are installed on each vehicle. False warnings are avoided by transmitting at least two simultaneous coded signals from the traffic light/sign. A first signal, called a direction signal, indicates the presence of a light/sign while a second signal, called a status signal, indicates the status of the traffic light/sign, e.g. red, yellow, green, "Railroad Crossing", etc. The two signals may be transmitted using two different kinds of radiant energy, e.g. infrared and laser beams.