China is proposing uniform rules for external lights that signal automated driving status, allowing vehicles equipped with Level 3 or higher automated driving systems to carry optional turquoise marker lights.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on Tuesday opened public consultation on 5 mandatory national standards, including the Requirements for installation of the external lighting and light-signalling devices for motor vehicles and their trailers. The consultation closes on December 19.
The draft vehicle lighting standard adds requirements for automated driving system (ADS) marker lights, designating turquoise as their dedicated color and setting rules for installation and operation.
Under the proposal, vehicles equipped with Level 3 or higher automated driving systems may have ADS marker lights installed at the front, rear and sides. Installation would be optional, rather than mandatory for all eligible vehicles.
The lights would switch on automatically when Level 3 or higher automated driving is activated and switch off when the system disengages. Manual activation or deactivation would not be permitted.
The proposal provides a clearer standards framework for what the industry commonly calls "little blue lights," linking their use to the operating status of Level 3 or higher automated driving functions.
Several automakers have adopted external lights to indicate when driver-assistance systems are operating. However, the lack of uniform rules on color, brightness and placement has raised compliance concerns.
Reports circulated in July that the MIIT had ordered passenger vehicles to stop being fitted with "little blue lights" because they did not comply with the existing GB 4785 standard.
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