Sale lights have long served as a trusted guide in physical auctions, signaling the condition and chance of risk associated with a vehicle. Starting December 11, 2025, these indicators will be visible across Simulcast Live, Presale, and Timed Listings, offering consistent standards and transparency across all Manheim channels while enabling bidders to know the planned light before bidding starts.

Learn How to Input Sale Lights on Your Listings


Understanding the Sale Light System

Each sale light color represents a specific level of buyer protection and seller disclosure, aligned with the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) Arbitration Policy:

 

 

These lights are now displayed directly on the Search Results Page and Vehicle Details Page, making it easier to assess risk and guarantee levels at a glance.

 

Why This Matters for Buyers

Buyers benefit from immediate clarity and consistent standards. Sale lights help identify vehicles with full NAAA arbitration rights versus those with limited protections. This visibility supports better risk management and aligns with arbitration policies, allowing buyers to make confident decisions and avoid surprises.  Sale lights will be shown on Manheim.com and OVE.com when the seller has set a light for their listing. 

 

Why This Matters for Sellers

Sellers gain a powerful tool to communicate a vehicle’s condition and manage buyer expectations. Accurate sale light designations can increase buyer trust and attention, especially in competitive digital environments.

Sellers are encouraged to set sale lights for all listings. These designations should be based on vehicle condition, mechanical status, history reports, and arbitration risk. Sale lights can be set through the Selling Center, Simulcast Live, Auction Sales, or Listing Manager. Written announcements and seller comments also generate visible sale light indicators.

Manheim Facilitated listings without sale lights follow Manheim’s Arbitration Policy for Timed Sales or will have lights set prior to live auction events. All sale light designations must align with NAAA policy to ensure consistency and reduce arbitration.

Non-Manheim facilitated listings on OVE.com will also show lights if available; the facilitating auction lights policy will apply.

 

A Shared Commitment to Transparency

The integration of sale lights into Manheim’s digital platforms reflects a shared commitment to transparency, consistency, and customer success. Whether buying or selling, these visual indicators provide a standardized way to understand vehicle guarantees and risks.

By adopting sale lights across all listing types, Manheim is helping clients navigate the marketplace with clarity and confidence. This enhancement supports informed decision-making, reduces disputes, and strengthens trust between buyers and sellers.