A method for operating a non-track-bound convoy, the convoy having at least one vehicle traveling ahead and at least one vehicle that is contactlessly coupled to the vehicle traveling ahead and directly following the vehicle traveling ahead, in at least a largely automated manner, including: providing that the at least one vehicle directly following the vehicle traveling ahead follows the vehicle traveling ahead by at least largely automatic open-loop/closed-loop control; and effecting a car-to-car communication between the vehicle traveling ahead and the at least one vehicle directly following the vehicle traveling ahead for the automatic open-loop/closed-loop control; in which a photo-optical, an optical-waveguide-less or an optical-fiber-less car-to-car communication is effected in each case between a light wave emitter and a light wave receiver for at least part of the car-to-car communication. Also described is a related driver assistance system and non-track bound convoy.