Mercedes Benz cleared to test autonomous driving indicator lights in Germany

Mercedes Benz has received clearance to test its exterior marker lights for autonomous driving in Germany.

The auto giant stated in a press release on 5 March that this is the first time any automaker is approved for special marker lights for automated driving in the company.

The approval allows the company to test its autonomous driving lights nationwide, initially limited until July 2028.

Building on the past

Mercedes Benz has been working on autonomous driving, and thankfully, Germany has been supportive.

The company last year attained Level 3 clearance for autonomous driving with 95 km/h speed. This testing of the autonomous driving lighting builds on the previous achievements.

The exterior lighting indicates to other road users whether the conditionally automated driving function is activated.

It also allows traffic authorities and police to recognize when autonomous driving is on to determine whether the driver is allowed to engage in other activities at the time.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Purchasing said:

“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.”

The special marker lights are in the front and rear lights as well as the side indicators in the exterior mirrors and illuminate continuously in turquoise when DRIVE PILOT is activated.

The company will use the testing phase to gain insight that will shape the legal framework that will later enable series production. Marker lights have been tested in the U.S. in Nevada and California since the end of 2023