Tesla-For some time now, drivers have been waiting for full traffic sign recognition, especially when it comes to speed limits on highways. In this article, we take a look at the current status of traffic sign recognition for Tesla, the differences between the various Autopilot hardware versions and what the future might bring.
Which Tesla-models have traffic sign recognition?
Traffic sign recognition for Tesla depends largely on the installed autopilot hardware hardware. Over the years Tesla introduced several generations of hardware that have different capabilities in terms of traffic sign recognition.
AP1 Autopilot hardware (2014-2016)
The first Model S and Model X with AP1 hardwaredeveloped by Mobileye, have had basic traffic sign recognition via the front camera for years. They show recognized speed limits on the display and can automatically adjust the speed on country roads without physically separated lanes. On freeways, however, the detected speed is only displayed without automatic adjustment.
There are some limitations with the AP1 hardware. For example, Vmax stickers on lorry trailers can be incorrectly recognized as speed limits. In addition, with newer software versions, the system sometimes uses the speeds stored in the map material instead of the values actually recognized, which can lead to inconsistencies.
AP2 and AP2.5 Autopilot hardware (2016-2019)
Vehicles with AP2 and AP2.5 hardwarethat are used by Tesla developed by the company itself do not currently have active traffic sign recognition. It is unclear whether this function will be implemented for these hardware generations in the future. However, owners of these models can upgrade to the FSD computer (AP3) to use traffic sign recognition.
AP3 hardware / FSD computer (from 2019)
With the introduction of the FSD computer (Full Self-Driving) from 2019, camera-based traffic sign recognition will be available in Tesla-vehicles has advanced significantly. Since the software version 2020.36.3 vehicles with AP3 hardware can recognize speed signs without the need for the paid FSD software option. Older vehicles that have received a hardware upgrade to the FSD computer also benefit from this function.
Current restrictions:
- Regional availability: Until recently, traffic sign recognition on highways only worked to a limited extent. With the software update 2023.2.0.5 has improved the recognition of highway speed limits in Germany. However, this currently only applies to vehicles registered in Germany.
- Highways: On freeways, speed data from the navigation map is often still used, which is not always accurate. Automatic speed adjustment in autopilot mode is therefore not always reliable.
Latest developments
With the software update 2024.26.1 has Tesla announced:
"Vision Speed Limits now uses your vehicle's cameras to detect speed limit signs to improve the accuracy of speed limit data on highways and local roads. Detected speed limit signs are displayed in the driving visualization and used to set the associated speed limit warning."
This gives hope that traffic sign recognition on highways will be more comprehensive and accurate in the future.
Conclusion
Traffic sign recognition on Tesla has made progress in recent years, but still faces challenges, especially on highways and in international markets. Different hardware versions and regional specifics affect the availability and accuracy of this function. With the latest software updates Tesla however, shows that they are working on improvements to provide their customers with a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
What can Tesla-owners do?
- Keep the software up to date: Make sure your vehicle is always up to date with the latest software to benefit from the latest features and improvements.
- Consider hardware upgrade: If you have a vehicle with AP2 or AP2.5, an upgrade to the FSD computer may enable traffic sign recognition.
The ongoing development of Tesla's Autopilot systems indicates that further improvements in traffic sign recognition can be expected.
Keywords: Tesla Traffic sign recognition, Autopilot hardware differences, Tesla AP1 AP2 AP3, FSD computer, Tesla software updates, speed sign recognition, Tesla Autopilot functions, traffic signs Tesla Models, Tesla highway sign recognition, Tesla camera recognition, Tesla FSD functions, Tesla hardware upgrade, Tesla, Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3
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