In Pictures: NHTSA Proposes Cyan Lights to Identify Autonomous Vehicles on US Roads

NHTSA's draft rule would let autonomous vehicles display optional cyan exterior lights to signal self-driving mode.

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The proposal builds on a concept first floated by Mercedes for its DRIVE PILOT conditional automated system.

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Regulators say the lights would help police and emergency responders identify driverless vehicles at a glance.

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The rule comes as autonomous operation expands on US roads, raising questions about how to spot self-driving cars.

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Clear signaling could matter most in busy intersections where responders must quickly assess a scene.

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Automakers would not be required to add cyan lights, which the agency proposes as an optional feature.

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The draft rule is part of a broader push to standardize how automated vehicles communicate their status.

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As more driverless vehicles share the road with human drivers, consistent visual cues could reduce confusion.

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Public comment on the proposal will shape how the cyan-light concept reaches production vehicles.

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