diff --git a/selfdrive/controls/tests/test_starpilot_vcruise.py b/selfdrive/controls/tests/test_starpilot_vcruise.py
index ecd7452bc..000d97d02 100644
--- a/selfdrive/controls/tests/test_starpilot_vcruise.py
+++ b/selfdrive/controls/tests/test_starpilot_vcruise.py
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from openpilot.starpilot.common.starpilot_variables import PLANNER_TIME
 from openpilot.starpilot.controls.lib.curve_speed_controller import CSC_GLOW_HOLD_TIME, CSC_GLOW_ON_DELTA
 from openpilot.starpilot.controls.lib.starpilot_vcruise import (
   FORCE_STOP_TURN_VETO_STOP_SEEN_HOLD_TIME,
+  STANDSTILL_FORCE_STOP_LIGHT_HOLD_TIME,
   StarPilotVCruise,
   get_active_slc_control_target,
   get_lead_veto_distance,
@@ -1042,16 +1043,16 @@ def test_standstill_light_hold_expires_and_does_not_rearm_from_stopped_model():
   assert update_vcruise(vcruise, sm, toggles, now=0.0) == pytest.approx(0.0)
   assert vcruise.standstill_force_stop_reason == "light"
 
-  assert update_vcruise(vcruise, sm, toggles, now=4.9) == pytest.approx(0.0)
+  assert update_vcruise(vcruise, sm, toggles, now=STANDSTILL_FORCE_STOP_LIGHT_HOLD_TIME - 0.1) == pytest.approx(0.0)
   assert vcruise.forcing_stop
 
-  assert update_vcruise(vcruise, sm, toggles, now=5.1) == pytest.approx(20.0)
+  assert update_vcruise(vcruise, sm, toggles, now=STANDSTILL_FORCE_STOP_LIGHT_HOLD_TIME + 0.1) == pytest.approx(20.0)
   assert not vcruise.forcing_stop
   assert not vcruise.standstill_force_stop_hold
 
   # The red-light model remains stopped, but Force Stop must stay released so
   # Experimental Mode can own the red-to-green departure.
-  assert update_vcruise(vcruise, sm, toggles, now=5.2) == pytest.approx(20.0)
+  assert update_vcruise(vcruise, sm, toggles, now=STANDSTILL_FORCE_STOP_LIGHT_HOLD_TIME + 0.2) == pytest.approx(20.0)
   assert not vcruise.forcing_stop
 
 
diff --git a/starpilot/controls/lib/starpilot_vcruise.py b/starpilot/controls/lib/starpilot_vcruise.py
index 27ea68ceb..e3a2e0385 100644
--- a/starpilot/controls/lib/starpilot_vcruise.py
+++ b/starpilot/controls/lib/starpilot_vcruise.py
@@ -22,7 +22,9 @@ from openpilot.selfdrive.controls.lib.longitudinal_vehicle_tunes import (
 CSC_MIN_SPEED = CITY_SPEED_LIMIT * CV.MPH_TO_MS
 OVERRIDE_FORCE_STOP_TIMER = 10
 STANDSTILL_FORCE_STOP_CLEAR_TIME = 0.75
-STANDSTILL_FORCE_STOP_LIGHT_HOLD_TIME = 5.0
+# Open-loop — green is undetectable at standstill, so this only needs to cover the
+# handoff to CEM+model ownership. Extra seconds are pure departure lag.
+STANDSTILL_FORCE_STOP_LIGHT_HOLD_TIME = 2.0
 FORCE_STOP_LIGHT_CLEAR_TIME = 0.5
 SLC_LEAD_DROP_RELAXATION_MIN_SPEED = 20.0 * CV.MPH_TO_MS
 SLC_LEAD_DROP_RELAXATION_MIN_DISTANCE = 30.0