Embodiments of the location based vehicle traffic signal alert system, according to the present method and apparatus, may alert drivers as to when vehicles are approaching the traffic signal lights while the signal is yellow or red. In addition, it may also warn drivers when the signal ahead is about to change colors, for example, from green to yellow or from yellow to red. In an alternative embodiment the signal alert system may also send a signal to the engine/brake system of the automobile to perform automatic throttle control or braking when the driver fails to attempt a required stop at the traffic light.