Tesla Autopilot is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that helps your car steer, accelerate, and brake automatically within its lane under certain conditions. It’s not a self-driving system, but it reduces the driver’s workload on highways and in traffic.
Key Features of Tesla Autopilot
Autopilot includes two core capabilities:
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control – Maintains a set speed and distance from the car ahead.
- Autosteer – Keeps the vehicle centered in its lane on clearly marked roads.
These features are included by default on all new Tesla vehicles.
How Tesla Autopilot Works
Tesla Autopilot uses a combination of:
- Cameras (up to 8 for 360° vision)
- Ultrasonic sensors
- Neural networks and AI processing
- Tesla Vision (Tesla’s camera-only system; no radar)
Together, these technologies let the vehicle interpret road conditions and assist the driver — but you must always keep your hands on the wheel and be ready to take over.
What Tesla Autopilot Can’t Do
Despite the name, Autopilot does not make your car autonomous. It:
- Won’t navigate city streets
- Won’t make complex turns or obey stop signs/lights (unless upgraded to FSD)
- Will disengage if your hands aren’t detected on the wheel
- Is not a substitute for attentive driving
✅ What is Full Self-Driving (FSD)? – See how it expands Autopilot’s capabilities.
Tesla Autopilot vs Full Self-Driving (FSD)
| Feature | Autopilot (Standard) | Full Self-Driving (Paid Upgrade) |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic-Aware Cruise Control | ✅ | ✅ |
| Autosteer | ✅ | ✅ |
| Navigate on Autopilot | ❌ | ✅ |
| Auto Lane Change | ❌ | ✅ |
| Autopark | ❌ | ✅ |
| Summon | ❌ | ✅ |
| Traffic Light & Stop Sign Control | ❌ | ✅ |
Where You Can Use Autopilot
Autopilot works best on:
- Highways
- Multi-lane roads
- Low-traffic rural roads with clear lane markings
It’s less reliable on:
- City streets
- Unmarked roads
- Construction zones
Safety Reminders
Tesla Autopilot is safest when:
- You’re alert and ready to take control
- Hands are always on the wheel
- You treat Autopilot as an assistant, not a replacement
Related: What is Tesla Safety Score?
Is Tesla Autopilot Legal?
Yes — in most parts of the U.S., Canada, UK, and Europe. However:
- Laws vary by region
- Some jurisdictions require driver monitoring systems (Tesla uses torque sensors and camera monitoring in newer models)
Autopilot Cost
- Basic Autopilot – Included with all new Teslas
- Enhanced Autopilot – ~$6,000 (adds Navigate on Autopilot, Smart Summon, etc.)
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) –
$12,000 or subscription ($99–$199/month)
Prices vary by region and vehicle.