Traffic Yellow

Technical Profile

What color is Traffic Yellow? It's a light warm yellow with the hex code #FAD201. Colors similar to Traffic Yellow include Hirshfield's Sunnyside, Benjamin Moore Yellow, Vista Paint Sporty Yellow. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Traffic Yellow has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Traffic Yellow (#FAD201) by RAL is a light yellow paint color with a striking intensity that commands attention. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. In its RGB breakdown, red is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle rosy warmth even under different lighting conditions. With a Light Reflectance Value of 80, it reflects the vast majority of light, helping smaller rooms feel more spacious. Light yellows brighten bathrooms, laundry rooms, and north-facing spaces that crave extra warmth. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Traffic Yellow pairs beautifully with blue tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring green and orange hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its neutral undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If RAL is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Hirshfield's, Benjamin Moore, Vista Paint and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Traffic Yellow radiates an inviting, sun-washed warmth that makes guests feel immediately at ease. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for cottage-core, transitional, and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. As part of the RAL palette, Traffic Yellow benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Traffic Yellow are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Traffic Yellow (1023) directly from RAL or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.