US regulator proposes cyan marker lights for self-driving cars
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed standardizing cyan-colored exterior lights to signal when a vehicle is operating in autonomous mode.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a proposal to mandate standardized cyan marker lights for vehicles equipped with automated driving systems. The initiative seeks to provide clear visual notification to law enforcement and the public that a vehicle is currently operating under computer control rather than human supervision.
Industry group SAE International identified cyan as the preferred color after consultation with manufacturers and researchers, noting its distinct separation from existing red, amber, or white lighting, as well as blue emergency vehicle lights. The proposal aims to create a uniform regulatory framework for the growing fleet of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
The policy is currently undergoing a 30-day public comment period. Major automotive manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, have already tested similar light signatures in states like California and Nevada to verify that the color is clearly distinguishable in various traffic conditions.