Germany is once again setting the benchmark for automated driving, as Mercedes-Benz gains approval to test special marker lights for its Level-3 autonomous driving system, DRIVE PILOT. The Stuttgart Regional Council has granted nationwide permission for these tests until July 2028, making Germany the first country in Europe to introduce this innovation. The move enhances safety, improves public trust in autonomous technology, and further cements Germany’s leadership in automotive advancements.
Why Turquoise? A Game-Changer in Automated Driving
One of the standout elements of this new system is the introduction of turquoise-colored marker lights, which will be installed on the front, rear, and side mirrors of test vehicles. These lights illuminate when the DRIVE PILOT system is engaged, signaling that the vehicle is operating autonomously and that the driver is legally permitted to engage in secondary tasks like texting or watching videos.
Mercedes-Benz selected turquoise as the designated color due to its high visibility and clear distinction from existing vehicle lights, such as red (braking), yellow (hazard), and white (headlights). Research indicates that turquoise is easy to recognize and reduces the likelihood of confusion, making it the ideal choice for this critical safety feature.
Germany Leading the Way in Autonomous Driving
Germany was the first country to legalize Level-3 automated driving, providing a regulatory framework that enables car manufacturers to deploy advanced self-driving technologies. Mercedes-Benz has been at the forefront of this evolution, securing the world’s first international type approval for DRIVE PILOT in 2021. With this latest milestone, the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, positioning itself as a pioneer in the autonomous driving space.
The new marker light tests follow similar approvals in Nevada and California, where Mercedes-Benz began trials in 2023. The insights gained from these global testing initiatives will help shape international regulations and drive the broader adoption of automated driving.
DRIVE PILOT: The Fastest Level-3 Autonomous System
The DRIVE PILOT system allows hands-free driving at speeds of up to 95 km/h on designated highway sections, specifically in the right lanes. This makes it the fastest production-ready Level-3 system in the world, surpassing competing technologies. Unlike Level-2 systems that still require driver supervision, Level-3 autonomy enables drivers to temporarily disengage from driving tasks, provided they are ready to take control when needed.
Mercedes-Benz’s holistic approach to autonomous driving ensures that not only is the technology itself refined, but so is its interaction with surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. The turquoise lights play a vital role in communicating the vehicle’s operational mode to other road users, law enforcement, and traffic authorities.
Building Public Trust Through Transparency
A key challenge for automated driving is public perception and trust. Many drivers remain skeptical about self-driving technology, often questioning its reliability and safety. By introducing clear visual indicators like the turquoise lights, Mercedes-Benz aims to increase awareness and acceptance of autonomous vehicles.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer for Development & Purchasing, emphasized this point:
“We take a holistic approach to automated driving development at Mercedes-Benz, considering aspects whose significance grows with increasing fleet size. 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.”
Shaping the Future of Automated Driving
The approval to test these marker lights is more than just a regulatory win for Mercedes-Benz—it is a leap toward the future of intelligent transportation. As data from the trials roll in, it will guide future legislation and contribute to the eventual large-scale deployment of Level-3 and higher autonomous driving systems.
This initiative underscores Germany’s commitment to staying at the forefront of mobility innovation. As more countries look toward integrating autonomous vehicles into their transport ecosystems, Germany’s early adoption and leadership will serve as a blueprint for safe and effective implementation.
For now, all eyes are on the turquoise lights. Their success could mark the next big step toward making autonomous vehicles a seamless and accepted part of everyday life on the roads.