# Cyan Lights on Self-Driving Cars

> Cyan lights signal self-driving cars are in control, per federal standards.
- Title: Cyan Lights on Self-Driving Cars · Family Handyman | Shortify
- Summary: Cyan lights signal self-driving cars are in control, per federal standards. Cyan lights on self-driving cars indicate automated systems are handling driving…
- Keywords: cyan lights, nhtsa, self-driving cars, automated driving systems, mercedes benz, california, nevada, Family Handyman
- Source: Family Handyman — https://familyhandyman.com/article/cyan-lights-self-driving-cars
- Author: Alex Shoemaker
- Published: 2026-11-03T19:38:42+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cyan lights, nhtsa, self-driving cars, automated driving systems, mercedes benz, california, nevada
## What Cyan Lights Mean
Cyan lights indicate a vehicle's automated driving system is in control without human supervision.
## NHTSA Proposal
NHTSA proposed federal standards for cyan lights on self-driving cars, including placement and brightness.
## Automated Driving Systems
Cyan lights help drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement recognize automated systems handling driving.
## Mercedes-Benz Approval
Mercedes-Benz received permission to use turquoise lights in California and Nevada for testing.
## Drive Pilot System
Mercedes-Benz's Drive Pilot system handles driving under specific conditions with driver oversight.
## Future Standards
Cyan lights would turn on when automated systems drive without human supervision and turn off when human control resumes.
## Key takeaway

Cyan lights on self-driving cars indicate automated systems are handling driving, with NHTSA proposing federal standards for the color.