In the United States, the majority of cars exhibit three distinct exterior light colors. White is employed for headlights and reverse lights, red signifies brake lights and rear lights, and amber is designated for front turn signals.
However, Mercedes-Benz has recently obtained approval to introduce a fourth light color: turquoise blue lights. These lights serve the purpose of indicating when a Mercedes vehicle is operating in autonomous mode. Currently, only California and Nevada have approved this novel light color. These states are the exclusive jurisdictions where Mercedes’ “conditionally autonomous” Drive Pilot technology is legally permitted. The Drive Pilot feature is designed for use in traffic congestion on specific major highways when vehicles are moving at speeds below 40 miles per hour.
In such situations, drivers are permitted to disengage from pedal control, release the steering wheel, and, notably, divert their attention away from the road—a feature that sets it apart from other driver assistance systems. Other driving assistance systems, such as Tesla’s Full Self-Driving and General Motors’ Super Cruise, mandate that the driver remains attentive to the surroundings. In contrast, Mercedes’ Drive Pilot permits the driver to divert their gaze from the road continuously until the system prompts them to take control, for instance, when traffic accelerates. During this period, drivers have the freedom to browse the Internet or engage in games on the car’s prominent center screen. (The car’s sensors ensure that the driver stays awake.)
The choice of a light blue color was intentional to make it attention-grabbing and easily distinguishable. This hue is not akin to any other lights typically found on a passenger car, and it is unmistakably distinct from the darker blue associated with police and emergency vehicles. The specific shade of blue recommended by the Society of Automotive Engineers to indicate autonomous vehicle operation has been approved for use by Mercedes, making it the first automaker to receive such approval. These blue lights will be positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle, encircling the taillights and headlights.
According to Mercedes, the turquoise lights serve the purpose of notifying nearby drivers and law enforcement that the vehicle is operating under fully automated control. This is intended to prevent any misunderstanding when observers see the driver not focused on the road, ensuring they do not assume any wrongdoing. The Mercedes Drive Pilot system, featuring these distinctive lights, will be accessible on Mercedes S-class and EQS models in Nevada and California from early 2024. It’s important to note that this technology will only function on highways within California and Nevada.
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