Summary of the Core Content
This article focuses on the controversy surrounding the ban of the "small blue light" used for intelligent driving, with the central issue being the adaptation of rapidly developing intelligent driving technology to the existing traffic regulations. Experts point out that the ban is not about preventing the intelligent driving indicator from emitting light, but rather about its violation of the national legal road traffic signal system (where the blue light is reserved for special vehicles). In the future, intelligent driving status indicators must follow the principle of "light on = responsibility transfer" – they should only be activated when a system at level L3 or above takes over driving control. It is also proposed to use the international standard color of cyan-green for these indicators. Additionally, measures need to be taken to address vehicles already equipped with small blue lights and to expedite the establishment of unified standards to prevent technological innovations from becoming safety hazards or marketing gimmicks.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Ban of Small Blue Lights: Not a Matter of Color, but a Violation of Traffic Signals
The problem with small blue lights is not their color itself, but the unauthorized modification of the established "traffic signal language." Just as traffic lights and turn signals are part of legally defined rules, vehicle exterior lighting has strict regulations: red means stop, yellow means caution, white means illumination, and blue is reserved for emergency vehicles such as police cars and ambulances. Small blue lights introduce an unfamiliar "new term" into this system; other drivers may mistake them for special vehicles that need to be given way (potentially dangerous when they suddenly change lanes) or assume the vehicle is fully autonomous (leading to potential safety risks if the driver lets their hands off the wheel). Moreover, many small blue lights have not undergone optical testing and can dazzle following drivers at night, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
In simple terms, you cannot just add a new "traffic light" to the road without proper regulation; the same applies to small blue lights.
2. The Correct Logic for Intelligent Driving Indicators: Light on = Responsibility Transfer
Experts emphasize that intelligent driving indicators are not for showing off features but for indicating responsibility. When the indicator lights up, it means the responsibility for driving has shifted from the driver to the system:
- L2 Level Assistance: The driver still retains control (e.g., the passenger helps with navigation, but you hold the steering wheel); therefore, no external light is required. If an indicator lights up, it might lead drivers to overestimate the system's capabilities, potentially leading to accidents.
- L3 Level Autonomous Driving: The system takes over driving control (the vehicle steers itself), and at this point, a light must be activated to inform other road users that the vehicle is autonomous.
Thus, in the future, only systems at level L3 or above will have intelligent driving indicators, which will be directly linked to the system's status. If the system shuts down, the indicator should also turn off immediately.
3. Why Cyan-Green Instead of Blue?
Blue will no longer be used for intelligent driving indicators because the current use of small blue lights has confused consumers about what "blue" represents (many L2 vehicles use blue indicators, but they are not actually autonomous). Cyan-green has two advantages:
- It does not conflict with existing signal colors: Red, yellow, white, and blue have clear meanings, while cyan-green is unique and unoccupied.
- It helps establish a new perception: When drivers see cyan-green, they immediately recognize it as an indicator of autonomous driving, avoiding confusion with special vehicles or other signals.
Future indicators will also comply with strict regulations, such as not being too bright, having fixed installation locations, and being securely connected to the system to prevent random activation due to software failures.
4. How to Handle the Transition Period?
L3-level vehicles are about to become common, but the lighting standards have not yet been established. What should be done?
- Vehicles with Small Blue Lights: Manufacturers responsible for installing them must update the software via OTA (Over-The-Air) updates to disable the indicator or change its function to decorative only. For custom installations, the indicator must be removed to comply with regulations. Authorities will provide a transition period with guidance before imposing penalties.
- L3 Level Transition: Before the new national standards are implemented in 2027, some L3 vehicles may not have external indicators (they will look like regular cars with internal warnings). Once the standards are finalized, all L3 vehicles will be required to install cyan-green indicators.
In summary, the process will involve first banning the misuse of indicators, then establishing unified standards, and finally allowing their use in a regulated manner.
5. Small Blue Lights as a Marketing Gimmick
Initially, small blue lights were designed to indicate the status of intelligent driving technology but have become a marketing tool for car manufacturers. This has led to issues such as consumers using immature autonomous features just to have brighter or more attractive indicators. To address this, mandatory standards are needed to clearly define the purpose of these indicators: they must solely serve to indicate responsibility and not be used for marketing purposes. Only by doing so can intelligent driving indicators truly enhance safety and avoid becoming mere decorations.
Conclusion
The ban of small blue lights is a reminder that intelligent driving technology must develop in a regulated manner. Future intelligent driving indicators will serve as a clear signal of responsibility – when the cyan-green light comes on, it will indicate that the vehicle is autonomous, and the system is in control. Our task is to wait for the establishment of proper standards to ensure that intelligent driving becomes both safe and compliant.