Mercedes-Benz has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first automaker globally to secure permits for specialized exterior marker lights designed for automated driving in both California and Nevada. This pioneering approval marks a significant step forward in the evolution of vehicle technology and the future of driving, particularly for brands like Mercedes-Benz, often referred to as “Driving Benz” by enthusiasts. The California permit facilitates the testing of turquoise-colored marker lights on freeways for automated driving systems, while Nevada’s permit allows for the integration of these lights into production vehicles, starting with Model Year 2026 EQS and S-Class DRIVE PILOT models, and will remain valid pending legislative updates.
This dual-state approval provides Mercedes-Benz with invaluable insights into how automated vehicles interact with their environment and other road users. The introduction of these marker lights is expected to significantly boost public confidence in automated driving technologies and enhance overall road safety. By clearly indicating the operational status of the automated driving system externally, these lights enable law enforcement and other drivers to readily understand when the system is engaged and whether drivers are permitted to engage in secondary activities during conditionally automated journeys. The turquoise lights, developed in accordance with SAE J3134 Recommended Practice, are integrated into the front and rear lights, as well as the side mirrors of Mercedes-Benz test vehicles in California.
“Mercedes-Benz is once again setting new industry benchmarks with the development of these automated driving marker lights. Being the first automaker worldwide to receive such approvals in the U.S., specifically in California and Nevada, underscores our commitment to innovation. As the number of automated driving vehicles on the road increases, clear communication and interaction between the vehicle and its surroundings become paramount,” stated Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Purchasing. This advancement truly enhances the experience of “driving benz” by integrating cutting-edge technology seamlessly.
DRIVE PILOT: Leading the Charge in Automated Driving
The initial application for these automated driving marker lights will be within Mercedes-Benz’s California testing fleet, specifically vehicles equipped with DRIVE PILOT. DRIVE PILOT stands as the world’s first SAE-Level 3 system for conditionally automated driving to receive internationally recognized type approval. Following its initial certification in Germany in 2021, DRIVE PILOT obtained certification in both Nevada and California in 2023, highlighting the varying regulatory landscapes even within the U.S. While available for order in Germany since 2022, DRIVE PILOT recently debuted on Californian and Nevadan freeways in production vehicles, bringing the future of “driving benz” to American roads.
The Strategic Choice of Turquoise Marker Lights
The selection of turquoise as the marker light color was driven by two critical factors: its high visibility, ensuring quick and reliable detection by other road users, and its distinctiveness from existing vehicle lighting and traffic signals, including emergency lights. This differentiation minimizes the potential for confusion with established lighting conventions. Furthermore, extensive testing has indicated turquoise as the optimal color for automated driving signals, with physiological and psychological studies demonstrating its superiority across various metrics compared to other colors. The industry-recommended practice SAE J3134 “ADS Marker Lamps” also endorses turquoise for indicating the activation of an automated driving system. The development and approval process for this novel lighting concept involved a collaborative effort from a diverse team of engineers, compliance specialists, data protection experts, and ethicists.
Towards Global Standardization for Enhanced Safety
Mercedes-Benz is proactively advocating for the standardization of turquoise as the universal color for indicating automated driving status. This initiative aims to foster global understanding and acceptance of this technology, ultimately enhancing safety for all road users. Currently, a unified framework for the use of turquoise lights in production vehicles is lacking across major regions like the U.S., China, and the UN-ECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). The exemptions granted by California and Nevada represent a crucial first step. A future globally harmonized regulation for turquoise marker lights for automated driving is envisioned as a cornerstone for improved road safety and a catalyst for further advancements in automated driving technology, shaping the future of “driving benz” and automotive transportation worldwide.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, manages the distribution, marketing, and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products within the United States. MBUSA offers a diverse luxury vehicle lineup, from the GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the all-electric Mercedes-Benz range. MBUSA also oversees Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
