Federal Agency Proposes Cyan Lights for Driverless Vehicles to Indicate Autonomous Operation

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has moved to settle a long‑standing debate over how autonomous cars should let other road users know there is no human behind the wheel. In a set of proposed amendments to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, NHTSA suggests that robotaxis and other driverless vehicles be equipped with cyan‑colored marker lamps. The new rule is intended to cut unnecessary regulatory hurdles for vehicles that lack traditional controls while providing a clear, consistent visual cue that the vehicle is operating autonomously. According to the agency, the cyan light would “clearly and consistently signal to law enforcement and other road users that the vehicle is driverless.” The proposal marks the first federal effort to standardize external signals for autonomous vehicles, and it follows years of industry discussion about flashing text, audible alerts, and custom lighting schemes. The Verge reported on the development.