Mercedes-Benz Given Turquoise Signal to Mark Self-Driving Cars – The Drive
One of the first things we learn as new drivers is the color palette of the road. Green means go, yellow or amber draws attention, while red and blue means stop or “Get out of the way”. Now, for the first time in possibly decades, there’s a new one to add to the list. It is turquoise and will belong to cars that operate without the participation of their drivers.
The color has been assigned according to the permits of the states of California and Nevada that were issued to Mercedes-Benz for its innovative SAE Level 3 automated driving system, Drive Pilot. Mercedes said there were no national or international standards for the marking of computer-driven cars, leaving regulators to create a different color to indicate authorized vehicles. That will prevent incidents where the public or the police lose their minds if they see a Classes Driver watching a video with his hands off the wheel.
Turquoise was selected for multiple reasons: it is visible and distinct in a way that violet might not be, and it is not associated with another signal. The primary colors red, green, and blue are already mentioned, as are the compound colors green and orange. The fact that turquoise was previously recommended by the SAE doesn’t hurt, nor does the fact that the color is already associated with the manufacturer’s Formula 1 team authorized to use it.
Depending on the operating permit, Mercedes Drive Pilot can activate turquoise lights integrated into its headlights, taillights and side mirrors. However, use of the technology is limited to roads only and is authorized in California for only two years. However, in Nevada, the allocation is indefinite starting in 2026. EQS and S-Class sedans.
Of course, technology is already on the road, but it doesn’t have to announce what it’s doing. This framework does not appear to be about requiring automakers to install turquoise lights in their vehicles, but rather giving them the option to do so. Given the benefits, it’s hard to imagine more companies not adopting it as a standard, that is, when they can implement equivalent technology.
James Contact: james@thedrive.com
