Teslas can now automatically stop for traffic lights and stop signs

By Georgina Torbet Published April 26, 2020

Tesla’s Autopilot feature continues to evolve and gain new capabilities of semiautonomous driving. The company has been working on adding support for traffic lights and stop signs since last year, and now the new feature is being rolled out in the U.S. with the latest version of the Autopilot software. Cars can detect traffic lights and stop signs and respond the them automatically.

A video of the feature in action was posted to Twitter by Tesla fan account Third Row Tesla Podcast, showing the driver having their hands off the wheel and allowing the car to automatically stop when approaching a traffic light. The driver just has to monitor what is happening and be prepared to take control if needed.

Recommended Videos

Starting today Teslas in the US can automatically stop for traffic lights and stop signs.🚦🛑

Just say where you want to go. Your Tesla will drive you through city streets, across highways interchanges, go around slow cars, and exit all on its own.

You just monitor. @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/ryRKiReZqc

— Third Row Tesla Podcast (@thirdrowtesla) April 24, 2020

In its release notes for the feature, noted by Electrek, Tesla writes that “Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control is designed to recognize and respond to traffic lights and stop signs, slowing your car to a stop when using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control or Autosteer. This feature will slow the car for all detected traffic lights, including green, blinking yellow, and off lights.”

As the car approaches a stop sign or a traffic light, it will detect both the presence of the light and its status. The car then notifies the driver that it will be slowing down via a notification, and will stop at the red line indicated on the display. If the driver wishes to continue past the stop line, once they have checked that it is safe and there are no other vehicles approaching they can press the accelerator pedal and the car will move forward.

Tesla reminds drivers that, “As with all Autopilot features, you must continue to pay attention and be ready to take immediate action, including braking because this feature may not stop for all traffic controls.” It also describes the feature as “conservative,” saying that it will slow down often and will not attempt turns through intersections.

To try out the feature in your own Tesla, you will need the 2020.12.6 software update. Then put your car into Park mode. Go to Controls > Autopilot > Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control (Beta) and you can enable it.

Topics

Georgina Torbet

Space Writer

Georgina has been the space writer at Digital Trends space writer for six years, covering human space exploration, planetary…

Cars

Tesla Model Y vs. Nissan Ariya: Can Tesla take out Nissan’s electric crossover?

Front three quarter view of the 2023 Nissan Ariya.

Nissan has been a little slow to the punch when it comes to electrification (besides the Leaf, of course). But now, it’s finally starting to electrify its lineup with the new Nissan Ariya. The Ariya is a crossover similar in size to the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Kia EV6, and, of course, the Tesla Model Y.

If you’re in the market for a new electric car, you might be wondering whether you should go for the now-everywhere Tesla Model Y or stick with the newer Nissan Ariya. Both cars are seemingly more tech-focused, however, while the Ariya builds on Nissan’s decades of experience in the automotive industry, the Model Y takes a still-fresh approach to its car, at least compared to the competition.

Cars

What it means now that Kia and Hyundai have adopted Tesla’s charging standard

A Tesla car chargers on a Tesla Destination charger.

It has finally happened. After the majority of other major automakers announced the transition from the combined charging system (CCS) to the North American Charging Standard (NACS), Hyundai Motor Group (which consists of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis) remained one of the major holdouts. But that has changed, and the company announced that it would make the shift starting with cars sold in late 2024. Presumably, that means that 2025 model year cars will get the new plugs.

But what does this mean for you if you're a current Kia, Hyundai, or Genesis driver? And what does it mean for those planning on buying a Hyundai Motor Group EV in the near or more distant future? Here's what you need to know.
How long will this transition take?
The transition to NACS simply is not going to be as immediate as Apple's transition from Lightning to USB-C ports. That's to say, there's going to be a multiyear transition period -- and even in five years, some charging stations will likely still sport CCS connectors.

Cars

Tesla’s Elon Musk can build his unusual Supercharger station

The design of Tesla's proposed Supercharger station that will include a 1950s-themed diner.

Aside from building electric cars, batteries, and solar panels, Tesla is also looking to build a Supercharger station with a difference.

The automaker has reportedly received planning permission to construct an all-night diner and drive-in movie theater in Los Angeles, Teslarati reported recently.