Mercedes-Benz is now the first automaker in the world to obtain licenses in California and Nevada for autonomous driving-specific external marker lights. For Mercedes-Benz Model Year 2026 production vehicles, the testing permit in Nevada is good for two years, whereas in California it is valid for two years, or until statutory adjustments are adopted.

Mercedes-Benz can learn more about the interactions between autonomous cars and other drivers due to these permits. Marker light integration is anticipated to improve road safety and increase public acceptance of automated driving.





The turquoise-colored marker lights are integrated into the two outside mirrors, front and rear lights, and Mercedes-Benz testing vehicles in California, all of which were constructed in accordance with SAE J3134 Recommended Practice.

Mercedes-Benz Group AG Member of the Board of Management and Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer said, "With the development of automated driving marker lights, Mercedes-Benz is once again setting new industry standards." In the United States, and particularly in California and Nevada, we are the first carmaker globally to obtain such approvals. The need of communication and interaction between the vehicle and its surroundings increases as automated driving vehicles become more commonplace on the roads.





These marker lights' first application will be with Drive Pilot, an internationally approved SAE-Level 3 system for conditionally autonomous driving. In testing vehicles in California, Drive Pilot—certified in Nevada and California in 2023, as well as in Germany in 2021—will be equipped with automatic driving marker lights.

Because of its visibility and capacity to be quickly seen by other drivers, turquoise was selected for the marker lights. By using this color, confusion with current traffic signals and vehicle lights is reduced. Test investigations supporting turquoise's ideal suited for automated driving are further supported by the industry practice SAE J3134.






Mercedes-Benz is working to make the autonomous driving status more widely recognized by using turquoise marker lights. Although there isn't a universal framework in the US, China, or UN-ECE just yet, the exemptions granted to California and Nevada are an important first step.

Future worldwide harmonization of regulations pertaining to turquoise marker lights is expected to improve road user safety and spur additional technological advancements.