Mercedes Vehicles to Feature Turquoise Lights During Autonomous Driving | Carscoops

      These lights will help police and other drivers easily identify when cars are operating in autonomous mode.

      

       6 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Michael Gauthier

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Mercedes has been approved to use turquoise lights in Germany.

      The lights will activate when the prototypes utilize Drive Pilot.

      The Level 3 autonomous driving system functions at speeds of up to 59 mph.

      

      The future of automotive lighting may become slightly more vibrant as Mercedes has become the first car manufacturer in Germany to gain approval for the use of turquoise marker lights on self-driving vehicles. This approval is granted for testing purposes, lasting until July 2028.

      The turquoise lights will indicate to other road users when the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode. Notably, Mercedes stated that this will help traffic authorities and police more easily recognize the system's status and determine if the driver is permitted to engage in other activities during conditionally automated driving.

      More: Mercedes Level 3 Autonomous Drive Pilot System Now Maxes At 59 MPH

      As seen in images of an EQS prototype, the turquoise lights are incorporated into the headlights, taillights, and side mirrors. These lights remain continuously on when Drive Pilot is activated, and Mercedes has mentioned that the turquoise color has already been included in various standards and draft regulations worldwide for this purpose. For reference, Mercedes has been testing these lights in California and Nevada since 2023.

      According to Mercedes, the turquoise color is optimal as it is "clearly distinguishable from current vehicle lighting and traffic signals." It is also noticeable and promotes "quick recognition by other road users." This is supported by studies showing that turquoise "performed better than other colors in both physiological and psychological aspects."

      While most manufacturers offer Level 2 semi-autonomous driving systems, Mercedes has a Level 3 system that enables conditional automated driving at speeds of up to 59 mph (95 km/h). In Germany, it can be utilized in the right lane on highways.

      Mercedes Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schäfer, stated: “The use of marker lights and the communication between the vehicle and its surroundings represents the next evolutionary milestone for Mercedes-Benz. I am proud that this special exemption acknowledges our commitment to fostering acceptance and trust in this technology.”