Mercedes-Benz has received regulatory approval in Germany to test external vehicle marker lights indicating when automated driving is engaged, marking a step forward in the development of self-driving technology, the company announced on Tuesday.
The German automaker became the first company to secure an exemption for such lights, which are designed to signal to other road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement, when the vehicle’s conditional automation system is active.
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The company has been testing the feature in the United States, specifically in Nevada and California since late 2023, but Germany is the first European country to grant official approval.
“We take a holistic approach to automated driving development at Mercedes-Benz, considering aspects whose significance grows with increasing fleet size,” said Markus Schäfer, a member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz and the company’s chief technology officer for development and purchasing. “The use of marker lights and the communication between the vehicle and its surroundings is therefore 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.”
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The exemption, valid nationwide until at least July 2028, will allow Mercedes-Benz to conduct public road testing of its Drive Pilot system, an SAE Level 3 automated driving technology. The system permits hands-free driving on the right lane of German motorways at speeds of up to 95 km/h (59 mph).
The approved marker lights illuminate turquoise on the front, rear, and exterior mirrors of the vehicle when the Drive Pilot system is active. Mercedes-Benz cited research indicating that turquoise is an effective choice for such indicators, as it is not currently used for turn signals or brake lights and is highly visible. The company said the color has demonstrated superior performance in both physiological and psychological evaluations.
Automated driving technology is classified by the SAE J3016 scale, which ranges from Level 0, including basic driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, to Level 5, where vehicles can operate autonomously under all conditions without a steering wheel or pedals. The Drive Pilot system at Level 3 allows full automation under specific conditions but may require the driver to assume control in certain situations.
Mercedes-Benz continues to develop its autonomous vehicle technology amid growing competition in the sector, with other automakers and technology firms also working toward the commercialization of self-driving systems. The company stated that the introduction of marker lights represents a significant step in enhancing public trust and regulatory support for automated driving solutions.