You will be provided with a reference and some statements. Please determine whether each statement is 'supported', 'unsupported', or 'unknown' with respect to the reference. Please note:
First, assess whether the reference contains any valid content. If the reference contains no valid information, such as a 'page not found' message, then all statements should be considered 'unknown'.
If the reference is valid, for a given statement: if the facts or data it contains can be found entirely or partially within the reference, it is considered 'supported' (data accepts rounding); if all facts and data in the statement cannot be found in the reference, it is considered 'unsupported'.

You should return the result in a JSON list format, where each item in the list contains the statement's index and the judgment result, for example:
[
    {
        "idx": 1,
        "result": "supported"
    },
    {
        "idx": 2,
        "result": "unsupported"
    }
]

Below are the reference and statements:
<reference>
Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT further expands U.S. availability through California certification | Mercedes-Benz Group > Technology > Autonomous Driving > Driving

Mercedes Benz today announced that its class-leading DRIVE PILOT system for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving received certification from California state authorities. With this significant milestone Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer with authorization to introduce such a SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle for use on public freeways in the most populous state in the United States.

Skip to main content

Skip to footer

Provider/Privacy

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Search

Company

Technology

Sustainability

Careers

Investors

Press

Products

Open menu

Our Products

Open menu

Provider/Privacy

Our Products

Company

Technology

Sustainability

Careers

Investors

Press

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Company

Company

Overview

Strategy

Divisions

Corporate Governance

Works Council

Production

Tradition

Locations

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Technology

Technology

Overview

E-Mobility

Autonomous Driving

Digitalisation

Innovation

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Sustainability

Sustainability

Overview

Environment & Climate

Resources & Circularity

Human Rights

Traffic Safety

Digital Trust

People

Society & Governance

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Careers

Careers

Overview

About us

Pupils

Students

Graduates

International Talent Program

Professionals

Job search

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Investors

Investors

Overview

Share

Reports & News

ESG

Refinancing

Key Figures

Events

Services

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Press

Press

Overview

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Divisions

Overview

Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz Vans

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Corporate Governance

Overview

Board of Management

Supervisory Board

Managers' Transactions

Declarations & Reports

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Tradition

Overview

Company History

Founders & Pioneers

CEOs

Mercedes-Benz Brand

Museums & Historical Sites

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

E-Mobility

Overview

Electric Drive

Hybrid

Charging

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Autonomous Driving

Overview

Driving

Parking

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Digitalisation

Overview

Artificial Intelligence

Operating System

Connectivity

Digital Services

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Innovation

Overview

Research

Development

Vision

Collaboration

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Environment & Climate

Overview

Decarbonisation

Environmental Management

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Resources & Circularity

Overview

Materials

Recycling

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Human Rights

Overview

Principles

Human Rights Respect System

Supply Chains

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Traffic Safety

Overview

Accident Research

Safe Driving

Traffic Safety Initiatives

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Digital Trust

Overview

Handling of Data

Handling of AI

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

People

Overview

Diversity

Health

Learning

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Society & Governance

Overview

Compliance & Integrity

Stakeholder Engagement

Corporate Social Responsibility

Advocacy

Attitude

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

About us

Overview

Work Culture

Insights

All about IT @Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Operating System

Artificial Intelligence

Locations

Events

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Pupils

Overview

Vocational training

Dual study

School work experience

Holiday jobs

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Students

Overview

Internship

Thesis

Working student

Holiday jobs

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Graduates

Overview

Inspire - Your Journey of Growth

Doctorates

Direct entry

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Professionals

Overview

Direct entry

Mercedes-Benz Management Consulting

Mercedes-Benz Dealerships

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Share

Overview

Outlook

Dividend

Share buyback

Shareholder Structure

Analysts

Effective Share Certificates

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Reports & News

Overview

Annual Reports

Interim Reports

Ad hoc

Voting Rights

Financial News

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Refinancing

Overview

Rating

Bonds

Green Finance

Asset-Backed Securities

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Key Figures

Overview

Fact Sheets

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Events

Overview

Annual General Meetings

Presentations

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Services

Overview

InvestorPortal

Media Center

Contact

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Mercedes-Benz AG

Mercedesstraße 120
70372 Stuttgart
Germany

Phone:
+49 7 11 17-0
E-Mail:
dialog@mercedes-benz.com

Please send queries about content on this website to any contact. You can address your concerns to us in English and your respective national language.

Represented by the Board of Management:
Ola Källenius, Chairman; Jörg Burzer, Mathias Geisen, Olaf Schick, Michael Schiebe, Britta Seeger, Oliver Thöne, Harald Wilhelm

Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Martin Brudermüller

Court of Registry: Stuttgart; commercial register no. 762873
VAT ID: DE 32 12 81 763

Legal Notice

Settings

Privacy Statement

Third Party License Notice

Don't Sell My Personal Information (CCPA)

All information about our products can be found on your country-specific Mercedes-Benz product page.

To my local product page

Home

Technology

Autonomous Driving

Driving

Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT further expands U.S. availability through California certification

Conditionally automated driving

Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT further expands U.S. availability through California certification.

June 09, 2023 –

Mercedes-Benz today announced that its class-leading DRIVE PILOT system for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving received certification from California state authorities. With this significant milestone Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer with authorization to introduce such a SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle for use on public freeways in the most populous state in the United States.

DRIVE PILOT will be available in the U.S. market as an option for model year 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with the first cars delivered to customers in late 2023. The state of Nevada already confirmed the compliance of the system with state regulations in January 2023, and Mercedes-Benz has the ambition to further expand availability of this groundbreaking system to additional markets in the future.

”Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT is the world's only SAE Level 3 system with internationally valid type approval. It builds on a very robust foundation, setting new industry standards. DRIVE PILOT uses a highly sophisticated vehicle architecture based on redundancy with a multitude of sensors enabling comfortable and safe conditionally automated driving. The certification by the authorities in California and in Nevada once again confirms that redundancy is the safe and thus the right approach.”

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, responsible for Development and Procurement.

DRIVE PILOT: SAE Level 3 system for conditionally automated driving

During a conditionally automated journey, DRIVE PILOT allows the driver to take their mind off the traffic and focus on certain secondary activities . When DRIVE PILOT is active, applications can be enabled on the vehicle's integrated central display that are otherwise blocked while driving. On suitable freeway sections and where there is high traffic density, DRIVE PILOT can offer to take over the dynamic driving task, up to speeds of 40 mph. The control buttons required for this are located on the steering wheel rim, on the left and right above the thumb recesses. Once conditions are suitable, the system indicates availability on the control buttons. When the driver activates DRIVE PILOT, the system controls the speed and distance, and effortlessly guides the vehicle within its lane. The route profile, events occurring on the route and traffic signs are correspondingly taken into consideration. The system also reacts to unexpected traffic situations and handles them independently through evasive maneuvers within the lane or by braking maneuvers for example.

If the driver fails to take back control even after increasingly urgent prompting and expiration of the takeover time (e.g., due to a severe health problem), the system brakes the vehicle to a standstill in a controlled manner while engaging the hazard warning lights. Once the vehicle has come to a standstill, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system is activated and the doors are unlocked to ensure the vehicle is accessible for first responders.

"We are extremely proud to continue our Level 3 conditionally automated driving leadership and remain at the forefront of innovation in the U.S. market with certification in California. This game-changing system underscores our ambition to lead in safety and technology, and provides unparalleled convenience for our valued customers by giving them back time while safely navigating today's congested freeways."

Redundancy as key enabler for safe operation

The top priority for Mercedes-Benz when introducing any such system is safety, which includes high demands on operational reliability. DRIVE PILOT builds on the surround sensors of the Driver Assistance Package and comprises additional sensors that Mercedes-Benz considers indispensable for safe conditionally automated driving. These include LiDAR, as well as a camera in the rear window and microphones for detecting emergency vehicles, as well as a road wetness sensor in the wheel well. A vehicle equipped with the optional DRIVE PILOT system also has redundant steering and braking actuators and a redundant on-board electrical system, so that it remains maneuverable even if one of these systems fails and a safe handover to the driver can be ensured.

Outlook into the future: Cooperation is an essential part of Mercedes-Benz's strategy

Mercedes-Benz is focusing on SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving with the ultimate goal of driving at speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h) in its final iteration. Additional redundancy in sensing modalities will ensure that the system meets the highest Mercedes-Benz safety standards. To achieve this ultimate goal, the company has partnered with strong players like NVIDIA and Luminar, which are perfect additions to the existing roster of first-class cooperations with leading and cutting–edge tech-companies. This latest significant achievement of SAE Level 3 by Mercedes-Benz marks a huge milestone for automated driving and partnerships will increase the company's level of ambition regarding what is possible in future.

Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot.

Mercedes-Benz is the front runner in automated driving and safety technologies.

Read more

The Mercedes-Benz Group.

The
Mercedes-Benz Group AG
(former
Daimler AG
) is one of the world's most successful automotive companies. With
Mercedes-Benz AG
, the Group offers a wide range of high-end passenger cars and premium vans.
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
is another key pillar of the Group and plays a central role in the financial services business.

Learn more

More Information

Company

Overview

Job Search

Shares

Locations

Media Site

Contact

Knowledge

ESG

Intellectual Property

Tradition

Talent Programmes

Business Services

Suppliers

Data & APIs for Developers

Mercedes-Benz Open Source

Whistleblower System (BPO)

Purchase

Vehicles

Accessories

Digital Extras

Classic Cars

Provider

Legal Notice

Settings

Privacy Statement

Third Party License Notice

Don't Sell My Personal Information (CCPA)

Accessibility

© 2026 Mercedes-Benz Group AG. All Rights Reserved.

[1] Net carbon-neutral means that carbon emissions that have neither been avoided nor reduced at the Mercedes-Benz Group are compensated for by certified offsetting projects.

[2] Renewable Charging is an integral part of MB.CHARGE Public in Europe, the USA, Canada and China. If electricity from renewable energies is not yet available at the respective charging station, Renewable Charging uses Energy Attribute Certificates*. These ensure that an equivalent amount of electricity from renewable energies is fed into the power grid for charging processes via MB.CHARGE Public. They are from wind and solar power plants which are less than six years old.
* Incl. EKOenergy ecolabel

* The specified values were determined in accordance with the WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement method. The ranges given refer to ECE markets. The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a car depend not only on the efficient utilisation of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.

** Electric energy consumption and range have been determined on the basis of Regulation (EC) No. 692/2008 according to NEDC. Electric energy consumption and range depend on the vehicle configuration.

*** Data on electrical consumption and range are provisional and were determined internally in accordance with the “WLTP test procedure” certification method. So far there are no confirmed figures from an officially approved testing organisation, nor any EC type approval or certificate of conformity with official figures. Differences between the stated figures and the official figures are possible.
</reference>

<statements>
1. In the United States, Mercedes-Benz reports Nevada compliance confirmation in January 2023 and California certification in June 2023, with a 40 mph ceiling and first deliveries in late 2023.
2. The U.S. description adds that if the driver fails to resume control after increasingly urgent prompting and expiration of the takeover time, the system brakes to a controlled standstill, activates hazard lights, triggers the emergency-call system, and unlocks doors for first responders.
3. NHTSA’s consumer guidance says higher-level systems are not widely available to consumers, while Mercedes-Benz reports Level 3 certifications and model-year availability in Nevada and California.
4. A safer rule would require a minimum takeover window, explicit HMI communication of remaining time, and a certified minimal-risk maneuver if the human does not respond, as in the Mercedes fallback description
</statements>

Begin the assessment now. Output only the JSON list, without any conversational text or explanations.