Turquoise lights to indicate autonomous driving mode in Mercedes-Benz cars

ABU DHABI: Mercedes-Benz has been permitted to add turquoise lights to its self-driving vehicle's exterior to signify to others that the car is being controlled by an autonomous driving system. With the automated driving marker lights development, Mercedes-Benz is setting a new industry standard. 

The new light colour has only been approved in Nevada and California. Turquoise lights have been integrated into headlights, tail lights, and side mirrors signalling the autonomous mode, and helping police identify if drivers are allowed to engage in other activities while driving. The choice of turquoise distinguishes Mercedes-Benz cars from traffic signals and traditional vehicles.

Level 3 semi-autonomous Drive Pilot technology of Mercedes-Benz allows hands-free driving on selected highways in Nevada, California, and Germany. These are the only states where the use of this technology is legal. This technology can be used during certain daylight hours and speed allowing drivers to take their eyes off the road completely and indulge in activities like surfing the internet. This technology will be available in Model Year 2024 S-Class and EQS vehicles in Nevada and California from early 2024.

In 2021, the Drive Pilot system was approved in Germany. The customer orders for cars outfitted with this technology started in 2022. In Germany, this technology has location and speed-related restrictions. In November 2022, Mercedes-Benz was found testing an autonomous driving system in Sydney on an S-Class sedan as part of global trials. However, the use of Drive Pilot tech is not yet legal in other markets.

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