As of 1:30 PM ET on October 25, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed changes to its vehicle lighting standard for self-driving vehicles, including a new option for cyan-colored marker lamps. The notice is dated for publication in the Federal Register on October 26.
What the proposal says
The proposal amends Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, the rule for lamps and reflective devices. According to the Federal Register summary, NHTSA would:
- Allow cyan-colored marker lamps as optional lighting equipment on vehicles with an automated driving system (ADS).
- Limit the manual turn signal, hazard warning and beam-switching control requirements to vehicles that have manually operated driving controls.
- Narrow certain telltale (dashboard indicator) requirements to vehicles with manual driving controls.
- Change the test voltage for integral beam headlamps and remove the rules for vertical headlamp arrangements.
NHTSA says the goal is to remove unnecessary requirements and allow more design flexibility without reducing safety.
What is not confirmed
The cyan lamps are an option, not a requirement. The summary does not say what the lamps would signal, where they would go on a vehicle, or how many a vehicle would need, and it does not name Tesla or any other automaker. Any link to a specific vehicle is not part of the notice.
Why it matters to Tesla owners
Tesla's driverless program is already under federal review. NHTSA has asked how the Cybercab meets safety standards written for human-operated vehicles (see our coverage of the Cybercab investigation and the September special order). This proposal is a separate rulemaking that covers all automakers. It would not change the lights on a Model 3, Model Y or other car with a steering wheel and pedals.
For background on Tesla's driverless service, read what the Cybercab does for riders and the first Robotaxi safety report.
What happens next
This is a proposal, not a final rule. Comments are due November 25, 2026 under docket NHTSA-2026-1519. NHTSA can change or drop any part of it after reviewing the comments. We will cover a final rule if one is issued.
