In 2014, as autonomous vehicle (AV) technology was still in its infancy, I made a prediction:

• Because self-driving cars behave differently than human-driven ones, a simple visual indicator (like a green light above the third brake light) would be used to inform other drivers when a vehicle is in autonomous mode.

Now, a decade later, let’s examine how accurate this forecast was—and whether the automotive industry adopted this idea.

Why Did I Think AVs Needed a Special Indicator?

My reasoning in 2014 was based on a few key observations:

1. Different Driving Behaviors – Autonomous cars might brake more smoothly, hesitate at intersections, or make unexpected lane changes.
2. Human Drivers Need Clarity – If other drivers know a car is self-driving, they can adjust their expectations (e.g., not honking at a cautious AV).
3. Safety & Trust – Transparency could reduce road rage and prevent misunderstandings.

I suggested a small green light (similar to how hybrids have blue accents) as a universal signal.

What Actually Happened? Did AVs Get Indicators?

✅ Partially Correct – Some AVs Use External Signals

While my exact idea (a green light above the brake light) hasn’t become a universal standard, many AVs now use visual cues to signal autonomy:

1. Waymo’s “Self-Driving” Indicator Lights

• Waymo’s autonomous Jaguar I-PACE and Chrysler Pacifica vehicles have blue rooftop lights when in self-driving mode.
• These lights pulse to indicate when the car is yielding or making decisions.

2. Cruise’s “Robotaxi” Signals

• GM’s Cruise AVs use a light bar on the roof that changes color:
• White = Available for ride-hailing
• Blue = In autonomous mode
• Red = Stopped for safety

3. Zoox’s “Eyes” for Pedestrian Communication

• Amazon’s Zoox robotaxi has animated “eye” displays to signal intent (e.g., looking at pedestrians before crossing).

4. Mercedes’ “Turquoise Lights” (New Standard?)

• In 2024, Mercedes became the first automaker approved to use turquoise lights (SAE standard) for its Level 3 autonomous Drive Pilot system.
• This is the closest to my 2014 idea—a standardized external signal for AV mode.

❌ Why Didn’t My Exact Idea Catch On?

While the core concept was right, my proposed execution (a small green light) wasn’t widely adopted because:

• Visibility Issues – A tiny light isn’t noticeable enough for pedestrians or distant drivers.
• Standardization Challenges – Without government mandates, automakers developed their own signals.
• AVs Are Still Rare – Most cars on the road are still human-driven, so the urgency for universal indicators is low.

The Future: Will All AVs Have Indicators?

• NHTSA & EU Regulations are now discussing mandatory AV signaling (possibly turquoise lights).
• Car-to-Car Communication (V2V) may replace visual cues with wireless signals in the future.
• Public Acceptance – As more AVs hit roads, standardized signals will likely become essential.

Final Verdict: How Accurate Was My Prediction?

Conclusion

My 2014 prediction was directionally correct—autonomous vehicles do use external signals to communicate their mode. However, instead of a subtle green light, companies opted for more prominent roof-mounted lights, light bars, and even turquoise headlights.

The automotive industry is still figuring out the best approach, but the underlying idea—that AVs need to signal autonomy—was spot on. With Mercedes leading the charge on standardized turquoise lights, my prediction might yet prove fully correct in the coming years.

Not bad for a 2014 forecast! 🚗💡🤖