Federal Regulators Propose Cyan Lights for Driverless Vehicles
The NHTSA has outlined new rules requiring a specific blue-green light to indicate when an automated system is controlling a car, while also simplifying outdated lighting standards.
By Priya Sharma ·
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed a new standard for driverless vehicles, suggesting they use distinct cyan-colored marker lamps to signal that an automated driving system is in control. This move aims to provide a clear and consistent visual cue for law enforcement and other road users, replacing the current patchwork of industry ideas for how robotaxis should communicate their status. The proposal is part of a broader effort to modernize Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, specifically tailoring the rules to accommodate vehicles without human drivers.
The selection of cyan, a blue-green hue, is a deliberate choice to fill a visual gap in automotive lighting. Currently, the auto industry relies on red for brakes, amber for turn signals, white for headlights, and flashing blue or red for emergency vehicles. By introducing a new color that is not already heavily associated with specific functions, regulators hope to avoid confusing other drivers. This approach seeks to make it immediately obvious to anyone on the road that the vehicle is operating autonomously.
There is some existing precedent for this type of signaling. Mercedes-Benz previously received state-level approval to use turquoise lights on its Level 3 Drive Pilot vehicles. Although the automaker has since abandoned that specific project in favor of a Level 2++ system, the concept of using a distinct non-standard color has already been tested in the market. NHTSA now wants to establish a uniform national standard that operators like Waymo, Nuro, and Zoox, along with manufacturers like GM and Mercedes, can adopt consistently.
Under the proposed rule, the installation of cyan marker lights would remain optional for manufacturers. However, if a company chooses to include them, the federal standards would dictate their exact color, brightness, and location. This ensures that any automaker adding the feature uses a legal and consistent setup, preventing a confusing mix of different colors and signal patterns across different brands. The goal is to create a recognizable signal that works regardless of the specific vehicle model.
In addition to adding new lighting requirements, the agency is proposing to remove several existing rules that do not apply to vehicles without human drivers. Current regulations mandate the presence of physical hazard switches, manual beam shifters, and turn levers inside the cabin. Since these controls are unnecessary for autonomous operation, NHTSA is looking to eliminate them, thereby reducing complexity for manufacturers designing these new types of cars.
The proposal also includes updates to technical testing standards to better reflect modern technology. Specifically, the agency is considering changes to the 12.8-volt testing standard. This adjustment would allow automakers to build around modern LED architectures without having to navigate unnecessary administrative hurdles. Furthermore, NHTSA is reviewing requirements that currently dictate whether high-beam lights must be positioned above or below low-beam lights, a rule that may be less critical in modern lighting designs.
This regulatory update is part of a larger push by the Department of Transportation to streamline the deployment of autonomous vehicles. The administration aims to make it easier for automakers to build cars that lack traditional controls, such as steering wheels and pedals, which are designed for human operation. By clarifying the rules around lighting and removing obsolete requirements, the government hopes to accelerate the integration of self-driving technology into the broader transportation network.
Despite these efforts to simplify the process, regulators are still enforcing existing rules strictly. Last month, NHTSA opened an audit query into the Tesla Cybercab. The agency is examining the process and technical data Tesla relied on when certifying the vehicle. The primary issue involves the absence of certain design features, including sideview mirrors, pedals, and a steering wheel, all of which are currently required under existing FMVSS standards. This highlights the ongoing tension between updating regulations for new technology and enforcing current rules until they are formally changed.
Source: The Verge
