Quantum dot cellular automata appeared as a comprehensive solution to the shortfalls CMOS technology is facing in case of nanoscale implementations. This emerging nanotechnological paradigm promises high-speed, energy-efficient computing. In this present scope, the concept of binary semaphore has been implemented using J–K flip-flop with the 4-dot 2-electron variant of quantum dot cellular automata. Later, we analyze the proposed layout with respect to suitable well-established metrics. In addition, we provide a case study of the proposed semaphore layout on traffic control system which comes out to offer a more optimized way in respect of power utilization.