Built to Last: Stainless Steel LightStar™ M12 Launches with Shipments Beginning in November '25
Introducing the LightStar™ M12 — Now in Stainless Steel

LightGuard Systems, the inventor of the In-Roadway Warning Light (IRWL) and the original Smart Crosswalk™, is proud to announce the newest generation of our flagship in-roadway warning light — the LightStar™ M12, now built with a stainless steel housing for unmatched strength, longevity, and performance.
For more than three decades, LightGuard Systems has led the industry in pedestrian safety innovation — protecting lives at airports, school zones, and city crosswalks across North America. The new LightStar™ M12 continues that legacy, combining our proven optical performance with enhanced, heavy-duty stainless steel construction designed to withstand the harshest conditions.
Stronger. Smarter. Stainless.
The transition from composite to stainless steel delivers key advantages:
- Superior durability under heavy traffic and snowplow impact
- Corrosion resistance ideal for coastal and de-icing salt environments
- Improved thermal stability for consistent LED performance year-round
- Modern, professional design that complements contemporary infrastructure
Featuring SMPL™ – Surface-Mounted Pedestrian Luminaire
The LightStar™ M12 continues to feature LightGuard’s exclusive SMPL™ (Surface-Mounted Pedestrian Luminaire) — a built-in uplight that softly illuminates pedestrians from below at night, enhancing driver awareness and overall crosswalk safety.
While SMPL™ functionality remains the same as in prior LightStar™ models, it will only operate when all in-roadway lights in the crosswalk are upgraded to the M12 or other previous models containing the SMPL feature.
Full Compatibility and Easy Upgrades
The LightStar™ M12 is fully backwards compatible with all previous Smart Crosswalk™ systems and in-roadway warning lights hardware, including:
- Both 10" composite and 13" snowplow blade–resistant steel base plates
- All existing LightGuard wiring configurations and mounting systems
For systems not using our latest model UC (Universal Controller), an upgrade kit is required to enable full SMPL™ functionality.
Shipping Begins November 2025
Production of the stainless steel LightStar™ M12 is complete, with shipments beginning in November.
The Original Smart Crosswalk™ — Reinforced for the Future
As the originator of IRWL and Smart Crosswalk™ technology, LightGuard Systems continues to set the standard for innovation, quality, and safety. The new LightStar™ M12 represents the next evolution in in-roadway lighting — engineered to perform longer, shine brighter, and protect pedestrians better than ever before.
Available Now for Pre-Order
The LightStar™ M12 Stainless Steel model is available now for pre-order. Request a quote today.

LightGuard Systems is a registered trademark™ of LightGuard Systems, Inc. Smart Crosswalk is a trademark™ name of LightGuard Systems, Inc. ©2021 LightGuard Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
Let Us Help You Design a Safer Crosswalk System in Your Community! Contact LightGuard Systems Now.