Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Autonomous Vehicles Lighting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances bill to let automakers install exterior marker lamps indicating vehicle is operating in autonomous mode
Summary
SB 480 would permit automated driving systems to use exterior marker lamps so pedestrians and law enforcement can see when an autonomous driving system is engaged; committee passed the bill to Appropriations (final recorded 14-0).
Sen. Archuleta presented Senate Bill 480, which would authorize vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS) to be fitted with exterior marker lamps that visibly indicate when the vehicle is operating under automated control.
Archuleta told the committee the technology is intended to strengthen public safety and to make it clear to pedestrians, other drivers and police when an ADS is active. The bill would authorize—but not require—manufacturers to install such marker lamps beginning in January 2026 and would rely on industry standards developed by SAE International and guidance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
Kurt Augustine of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation testified in brief technical support, saying the measure is permissive and aligned with SAE standards and university color‑choice research. Consumer advocate Rosemary Shahan of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety also testified in support, saying her organization was “very pleased to support” the measure.
The committee recorded the motion to pass the bill to the Committee on Appropriations and, after a roll call process that completed with all members present, the bill was reported out of committee (final recorded committee vote 14-0).
