- Mercedes has received approval to use turquoise lights in Germany.
- The lights will be illuminated when prototypes are using Drive Pilot.
- The Level 3 autonomous driving system operates at speeds up to 59 mph.
The future of automotive lights could be a tad more colorful as Mercedes has become the first automaker in Germany to receive approval to use turquoise marker lights on autonomous vehicles. The approval has been granted for testing purposes and is slated to last until July 2028.
The turquoise lights will be used to inform other road users when the vehicle is operating in autonomous driving mode. Interestingly, Mercedes said “this also allows traffic authorities and police to recognize the system status more easily and determine whether the driver is allowed to engage in other activities during conditionally automated driving.”
More: Mercedes Level 3 Autonomous Drive Pilot System Now Maxes At 59 MPH
As you can see in images of an EQS prototype, the turquoise lights have been integrated into the head- and taillights, as well as the side mirrors. These remain continuously illuminated when Drive Pilot is activated and Mercedes noted the turquoise color has already been included in various standards and draft regulations across the globe for this purpose. Speaking of which, Mercedes has been testing the lights in California and Nevada since 2023.
Mercedes said turquoise is an ideal color as it’s “clearly distinguishable from existing vehicle lighting and traffic signals.” It’s also easy to notice and will lead to “quick recognition by other road users.” This is backed up by studies, which have shown turquoise “performed better than other colors in both physiological and psychological factors.”
While most automakers have Level 2 semi-autonomous driving systems, Mercedes has a Level 3 system that allows for conditional automated driving at speeds of up to 59 mph (95 km/h). In Germany, it can be used in the right lane on the highway.
Mercedes Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schäfer, said: “The use of marker lights and the communication between the vehicle and its surroundings is the next evolutionary milestone for Mercedes-Benz. I am proud that this special exemption acknowledges our efforts to promote acceptance and trust in this technology.”
