Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first automaker globally to obtain permits for special exterior marker lights for automated driving in California and Nevada. The permits allow testing vehicles to incorporate these lights for a two-year period in California, while in Nevada, they extend to production vehicles until modifications in statutes occur, with validity until the model year 2026.
These distinctive turquoise-coloured marker lights, integrated into the front and rear lights, as well as the outer mirrors of testing vehicles, serve a vital role in enhancing public acceptance of automated driving and reinforcing road safety. By indicating the status of the automated driving system, these lights facilitate communication with other road users and assist law enforcement.
The initial application of these marker lights will be with Drive Pilot, recognised as the world’s first Level 3 system for conditionally automated driving with international type approval. Having obtained certification in Germany in 2021 and subsequently in Nevada and California in 2023, Drive Pilot is already available for ordering in Germany.
The choice of turquoise for these marker lights is deliberate, aiming for optimal visibility for rapid detection by other road users. Mercedes-Benz intends to standardise the use of turquoise, contributing to a universal understanding and acceptance of this innovative technology. This development marks a significant step toward the integration of automated driving systems into mainstream road usage.
