These Mercedes with turquoise lights are very special

Mercedes becomes the first car manufacturer authorized to test special position lights for automated driving.

This exemption granted in Germany is valid until July 2028 and marks a new advancement for Mercedes, a pioneer in Level 3 automated driving according to SAE standards. In 2021, Mercedes-Benz had already received the first global approval for its DRIVE PILOT system, enabling conditional driving. Set to be introduced at the end of 2024, DRIVE PILOT will allow conditional automated driving up to 95 km/h on the straight lanes of German highways. The next step will, of course, be validation at 130 km/h to make it a system usable in daily life.

Mercedes brings its technology to life

The turquoise lights, integrated into the front and rear headlights and side mirrors, indicate that the automated driving mode is activated. This feature enhances recognition by other road users, authorities, and police, facilitating the identification of the vehicle’s status. Turquoise was chosen for its distinctive characteristics, avoiding any confusion with existing lighting or traffic lights. Studies have confirmed its superiority in terms of visibility and psychological perception.

The tests in Germany complement those already conducted in the United States, particularly in Nevada and California, where Mercedes has had similar exemptions since late 2023. These tests will help define the regulatory framework for mass production.

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