Pull up next to a car at a red light, and right now it’s not always easy to tell if anyone’s actually driving it. Federal safety regulators want to change that.
On October 23, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed a new rule that would let self-driving cars use special cyan-colored lights, a bright blue-green, to show they’re driving themselves.
What NHTSA Is Proposing
The proposal would create optional “ADS marker lamps.” ADS stands for automated driving system, the technology that lets a car drive without a human.
Automakers wouldn’t be required to add the lights. But if they did, the lights would have to follow federal rules on where they’re placed, their color, how bright they are and how visible they are.
NHTSA pointed to an international survey that found more than 80% of drivers want a way to tell when a car is being driven by a computer. The agency says the lights could also help police and first responders know what kind of vehicle they’re dealing with at a crash or traffic stop.
Other Changes in the Proposal
The proposal would also update the federal standard for vehicle lighting so it makes more sense for cars without a human driver. For example, it would drop some requirements for manual light controls and dashboard warning lights that only matter if someone’s behind the wheel.
Nothing Changes Yet
This is only a proposal. Before it can become a rule, NHTSA has to take public comments and review them. Comments are due November 25, 2026. Anyone can submit one through the Federal Register.
Part of a Bigger Push
The lighting proposal is one of several moves NHTSA is making as more driverless cars hit the road. The agency has also announced:
- A recalls workshop on November 5, focused on faster recalls and getting more drivers to actually get their recalls fixed.
- A plan to start work on new tire safety standards, which would be the first update in more than 20 years.
- Workshops in December on self-driving car safety and on how aftermarket modifications can affect driver-assistance systems.
Why It Matters
Driverless taxis from companies like Waymo and Tesla are already carrying passengers in a growing number of U.S. cities. A clear, standard way to spot them could make roads a little less confusing for everyone else, from drivers and cyclists to people crossing the street.