Abstract: A traffic light detection system is provided that includes, but is not limited to an optical sensor for recording image data of an environment ahead of the vehicle, and an evaluation device for detecting a traffic light mapped in the image data, and an evaluation device for detecting a traffic light mapped in the image data, as well as a method for traffic light detection. The evaluation device is configured to detect a stop line in the image data, which is arranged on a carriageway ahead of the motor vehicle, in a predefined area ahead of a traffic light associated with the carriageway, transversely to the carriage longitudinal direction. The evaluation device includes, but is not limited to a verification device, which does not verify a traffic light associated with the carriageway and detected in the image data, until such a stop line has been detected in the image data.