The Traffic Light System is a communication tool used primarily in consensual non-monogamy (CNM), BDSM, and kink communities to facilitate clear and effective conversations about comfort levels, boundaries, and consent during various activities.

At its core, the Traffic Light System employs three color codes—green, yellow, and red—to indicate different states of consent or emotional comfort.

• Green signifies that an individual is fully comfortable and enthusiastic about the activity, indicating that they are willing to proceed and engage without reservations.

• Yellow denotes caution. It suggests that the person may have some hesitations or boundaries that should be respected. This might involve pausing the activity for clarification, adjusting the approach, or checking in with the partner to ensure ongoing consent.

• Red is a clear and definitive stop signal. It indicates that the individual is not comfortable with the activity at all, prompting an immediate halt to whatever is happening, regardless of the context.

The Traffic Light System is especially useful in dynamic situations where feelings may change rapidly, allowing participants to maintain a safe and consensual environment. For example, during a BDSM scene, a participant may start at green, but if they begin to feel overwhelmed, they might use yellow to indicate a need for a break or adjustment. If their discomfort escalates, they can switch to red to ensure the scene stops completely.

This system fosters open communication and trust between partners, making it a foundational practice in ensuring that all parties are comfortable, respected, and safe throughout their interactions.