Mercedes-Benz has become the first U.S. automaker to receive permission to use turquoise lights on the exterior of its vehicles to indicate that its self-driving systems are working. Most road-legal vehicles use a three-color combination of lights: white for headlights and reverse lights, red for taillights and brake lights, and orange for flashers. Other colors, such as dark blue, are reserved for police use. Now, Mercedes-Benz will use turquoise on highways in California and Nevada.

In California, Mercedes-Benz received a permit that will allow it to trial turquoise lights on test vehicles for two years. In Nevada, automakers can begin adding the feature to vehicles produced in 2026.

When the driver's driving function is activated, the turquoise light will illuminate. Mercedes-Benz DrivePilot is a Level 3 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that can only be used in limited situations and in specific (geofenced) areas, such as on selected highways with heavy traffic and speeds of up to 40 mph. DrivePilot is also limited to use during the day and in clear weather, and cannot be used in construction zones. Additionally, drivers are not allowed to fall asleep or leave the driver's seat.

As a Level 3 system, drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel, take their feet off the pedals and direct their attention away from the road. Most other driving systems require the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel and maintain concentration. After enabling the driving navigation function, users can freely browse the Internet or watch videos on the vehicle's central display.

Turquoise markings will alert other drivers that your vehicle is driving autonomously, so hopefully they won't be alarmed if they see you doing something else while driving.

Mercedes-Benz says that numerous studies have proven that turquoise is the best color for autonomous driving because "both physiological and psychological factors prove that turquoise has a higher value than other colors in almost all areas." Turquoise color also complies with SAEJ3134 Recommended Practice Guidelines.

Mercedes-Benz says EQS sedan and S-Class models equipped with DrivePilot will be available through dealers in California and Nevada in early 2024.