NHTSA proposes cyan lights for autonomous vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed changes to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 to address lighting requirements for autonomous vehicles. The agency seeks to establish a distinct blue-green light that signals when humans are not driving. This proposal aims to create a uniform national standard for robotaxi operators and automakers to adopt.

Under the proposed rule, cyan-colored marker lamps would be optional for manufacturers. The NHTSA suggests these lights remain steadily illuminated rather than flashing. They must be visible from the front, rear, and both sides of the vehicle. The proposal also includes specifications for where the lights are mounted and how they are activated. This approach follows previous state-level approvals for similar turquoise lights on Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

The agency is also proposing to remove requirements for physical hazard switches, manual beam shifters, and turn levers in vehicles without human drivers. Additionally, the NHTSA is considering eliminating rules that dictate the vertical placement of high-beam lights relative to low-beam lights. These changes address the fact that current FMVSS rules were not designed for vehicles lacking traditional equipment like pedals, steering wheels, and side mirrors.

The NHTSA recently opened an audit query into the Tesla Cybercab to examine certification processes regarding missing design features. Meanwhile, GM plans to debut an autonomous highway driving feature in 2028. Ride-hailing company inDrive is also working with partners to begin testing robotaxis in Kazakhstan in 2027.