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Feds Mandate Cyan for Driverless Car Signals
23 Oct
Summary
- New federal rules propose cyan lights for autonomous vehicles.
- NHTSA aims to standardize robotaxi communication with road users.
- Regulations also remove outdated lighting requirements for AVs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released proposed updates to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, specifically tailoring regulations for autonomous vehicles. A key proposal involves mandating cyan-colored marker lamps to clearly indicate when an automated driving system is in control, aiding law enforcement and other road users.
This initiative aims to establish a national standard for robotaxi operators and automakers, ensuring consistent communication. The proposed cyan lights would be optional but federally standardized in color, brightness, and location if adopted. Additionally, NHTSA is proposing to eliminate outdated lighting requirements, such as manual hazard switches and turn levers, which are irrelevant for vehicles without human drivers.
The agency is also considering removing stipulations on the placement of high-beam versus low-beam lights and updating testing standards for modern LED technology. These changes are part of a broader effort by the Department of Transportation to streamline the deployment of autonomous vehicles and reduce regulatory hurdles for manufacturers.
