Understanding Tesla Autopilot and Its Stopping Capabilities

Tesla's Autopilot, a suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features, plays a significant role in enhancing road safety and reducing driver fatigue, especially for long journeys. However, it is crucial to understand the limitations and capabilities of these features, particularly with regards to stopping behavior.

Basic Autopilot vs Full Self-Driving (FSD) Option

The basic Autopilot allows for adaptive cruise control, meaning that the car will match the speed of the vehicle in front of you, even if it comes to a stop. However, the car will not stop for traffic signals (stop signs and red lights) or other stationary obstacles.

On the other hand, with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) option, Tesla’s autonomous driving features are enhanced to handle scenarios where basic Autopilot cannot. Features such as stopping at traffic lights and stop signs are automated, providing a more comprehensive safety net for drivers.

My Tesla Model 3 Experience

My Tesla Model 3 is equipped with advanced Autopilot, which includes the capability to stop when using cruise control if the car in front of me comes to a complete stop. This feature is not only useful for traffic congestion but also enhances overall safety.

Car Stops with Complete Autopilot

It's important to note that, under certain circumstances, Tesla's autonomous driving software has been known to stop the car. These incidents often occur when the car impacts or is too close to an obstacle, such as a police car, fire truck, Jersey barrier, semi-trailer, or other stationary objects. In these cases, the car typically attempts to pull over and stop, but the feature can be easily overridden by inattentive or aggressive drivers.

Stopping for Inattentive Drivers

The software may also attempt to pull over and stop for inattentive drivers it believes are not engaging with driving. However, this feature is not foolproof and can be easily overridden. It is critical for drivers to remain engaged and should not rely solely on this feature for safety.

Stopping Behavior in Different Modes

In all modes of Tesla cruise control, whether it's the Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC), Autopilot Navigate on Autopilot, or FSD Beta, the car will stop for a vehicle or obstacle in front of it. The stopping of red lights and stop signs is currently only available for customers who have purchased the FSD option. For customers without FSD, the car will likely go through red lights without stopping, as long as the driver is in control.

It is essential to monitor the driving environment at all times, as you remain the driver in all these modes. Stopping for obstacles or traffic signals is a shared responsibility between the software and the driver. Even in the beta version of FSD on newer Teslas, the car will stop at stop signs and red lights, but the driver still needs to be vigilant.

Limitations and Safety Tips

In 2017 and 2018, a small number of Model 3 vehicles were built without Autopilot features at the customer's request. These vehicles have dumb cruise control instead of Traffic-Aware Cruise Control. They will not slow down or stop if a vehicle in front is going slower. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on your surroundings and stay alert even if you have the basic Autopilot features.

Remember, while Tesla's Autopilot and FSD can provide significant assistance, they are not a substitute for driver vigilance. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings, and never assume the car will handle every situation without human supervision.

Conclusion

Understanding the capabilities and limitations of Tesla's Autopilot and FSD is crucial for safe driving. Whether your vehicle is equipped with basic Autopilot or the more advanced FSD, it is essential to remain vigilant and aware of your driving environment. By doing so, you can maximize the benefits of these advanced features while ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road.