NHTSA drafts rule for cyan lights on driverless cars
The agency proposes optional blue-green markers to standardize how robotaxis signal their status while removing legacy controls for human drivers.
By Thomas Obasi ·
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed a standard blue-green light to identify vehicles operating without a human driver.
The agency released draft amendments to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 on October 23. The proposal aims to create a uniform visual signal for autonomous vehicles. NHTSA states that cyan marker lamps would clearly indicate to law enforcement and other road users when an automated system is in control. The color selection avoids conflict with existing red, amber, white, and flashing blue or red lights used for braking, turning, and emergency services.
Manufacturers would have the option to install these lights rather than a mandate. However, companies adopting the feature would follow federal specifications for color, brightness, and placement. This approach seeks to prevent a mix of different signals from various firms. The proposal also targets current regulations that assume a human is at the wheel. NHTSA plans to eliminate requirements for physical hazard switches, manual beam shifters, and interior turn levers. The agency will also update the 12.8-volt testing standard to accommodate modern LED systems. It is considering relaxing rules on the vertical placement of high-beam and low-beam lights.
The Department of Transportation is pushing to accelerate the deployment of autonomous vehicles. The move supports the development of cars designed without traditional steering wheels or pedals. NHTSA cites Mercedes-Benz as having previously received state-level approval for turquoise lights on its Level 3 Drive Pilot vehicles. The automaker later shifted to a different system. NHTSA now seeks a national standard that firms like Waymo, Nuro, Zoox, GM, and Mercedes could adopt consistently.
Existing regulations remain in effect while the proposal undergoes review. NHTSA opened an audit query into the Tesla Cybercab last month. The agency is examining the technical data Tesla used to certify the vehicle. The review focuses on the absence of sideview mirrors, pedals, and a steering wheel, which are currently required under federal standards.
