Self-Driving Cars May Get a Different Set of Lighting Rules
Published Date: 10/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
NHTSA is updating vehicle lighting rules to better fit cars with self-driving tech and remove outdated requirements. These changes mainly affect vehicles with Automated Driving Systems (ADS) that don’t have manual controls, making designs simpler and cutting unnecessary costs without hurting safety. Comments are open until November 25, 2026, so manufacturers and the public can weigh in before these smarter, more flexible rules roll out.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Integral-beam headlamp testing changed
NHTSA proposes that integral beam headlamps be tested at the voltage for which each lamp is marked and that testing move from fixed voltage/current values to a power (watts) test. Replaceable-bulb and sealed-beam headlamps would continue to be tested at 12.8 volts.
Vertical headlamp orientation rule removed
NHTSA proposes to remove the FMVSS No. 108 requirement that, for vertical headlamp arrangements, the lower beam must be placed above the upper beam. The existing minimum and maximum mounting height requirements would remain unchanged.
Manual-control lighting rules limited to manual vehicles
NHTSA proposes to limit requirements for self-canceling and manually cancelable turn-signal controls, hand/foot headlamp beam switching, and certain actuation-ease rules for hazard controls so they apply only to vehicles with manually operated driving controls. Vehicles without manually operated driving controls would still be required to have a means to operate turn signals, headlamp beams, and hazard signals, but those means could be non-manual.
Telltale (indicator) rules narrowed for ADS vehicles
NHTSA proposes to replace the term 'indicator' with 'telltale' and to limit requirements to display telltales for turn signals and upper-beam headlamps to vehicles with manually operated driving controls. If a vehicle lacks turn-signal telltales, the agency proposes an alternate requirement to provide a lamp-failure telltale in clear view of all designated seating positions. NHTSA has not proposed to limit the vehicular hazard warning signal telltale in the same way.
Optional cyan ADS marker lamps standardized
NHTSA proposes to allow and standardize optional Automated Driving System (ADS) marker lamps (including front, rear, and side lamps and specifying color, mounting, activation, visibility, and photometric intensity) if they are installed on ADS-equipped vehicles. NHTSA would not mandate ADS marker lamps; the proposal largely aligns with SAE J3134 (December 2025 revision).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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