Tesla Model S: Before Using

Before using Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, you must:

• Ensure that forward-facing cameras are unobstructed (see Cleaning Cameras and Sensors) and calibrated (see Drive to Calibrate Cameras). Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control depends on the ability of the cameras to detect traffic lights, stop signs, and road markings.
• Ensure that the latest version of maps has been downloaded to Model S. Although Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control primarily uses visual data received from the vehicle's cameras, greater accuracy is achieved when using the most recent map data. To check which version of maps is currently downloaded, touch Controls > Software > Additional vehicle information. You must connect to a Wi-Fi network to receive updated maps (see Map Updates).
• Enable the feature. With the vehicle in Park, touch Controls > Autopilot > Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. Once enabled, Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control operates whenever Traffic-Aware Cruise Control or Autosteer is active.

How it Works

When Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control is enabled and you are using Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, the instrument panel displays a popup message to inform you that an upcoming traffic light, stop sign, or road marking has been detected. As it approaches the stop location, even at an intersection where the traffic light is green, Model S slows down and displays a red line to indicate where Model S will stop. To continue through the intersection-even if the traffic light is green-you must briefly press the accelerator pedal to give the vehicle permission to proceed. When you've confirmed that you want to proceed, the red stop line turns gray and Model S continues through the intersection and resumes your set cruising speed.

NOTE: If Model S is approaching a green light and detects that a vehicle in front of you is continuing through the intersection, Model S continues through the intersection without requiring your confirmation, provided you are not in a turning lane and your hands are detected on the steering yoke.

NOTE: If, after you briefly press the accelerator pedal to confirm that you want to continue through the intersection, the traffic signal changes before you enter the intersection (for example, the light changes from green to yellow or from yellow to red), Model S may determine that it is not appropriate to proceed. Therefore, Model S stops and you must press the accelerator to proceed. At all times, it is your responsibility to ensure the vehicle stops or accelerates appropriately and safely.

WARNING: Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control DOES NOT turn Model S through an intersection. When in a turning lane, Model S stops at the red stop line. To proceed, briefly press the accelerator pedal-Model S continues straight through the intersection (even when in a turning lane), so you MUST manually steer Model S through the intersection (which cancels Autosteer).

Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control is designed to operate as described only when the following conditions are met:

• Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is engaged.
• The cameras can detect an upcoming traffic light, stop sign or road marking (for example, cameras are unobstructed and have a clear line-of-sight to the traffic light, stop sign, or road marking).
• The instrument panel on Model S is displaying an upcoming traffic light in "bold" format. Model S does not acknowledge traffic lights that the instrument panel shows as faded. If a traffic light is not directly ahead of the camera (for example, it is located at an angle of the camera's view, or located in an adjacent lane) the instrument panel displays it as faded and Model S does not slow down and stop for it.

WARNING: If the instrument panel is not displaying a red stop line at an upcoming intersection, Model S does not slow down or stop. It is the driver's responsibility to pay attention to upcoming intersections and monitor traffic conditions to determine when and if the vehicle should stop and then to take appropriate action as needed.

WARNING: Never depend on Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control to determine whether to stop at, or proceed through, an intersection. Drive attentively by watching the road and paying attention to the roadway, upcoming intersections, traffic conditions, crosswalks, and other road users. It is always the driver's responsibility to determine whether to stop or proceed. Be prepared to take immediate action. Failure to do so can result in injury or death.

WARNING: In some situations, Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control may inaccurately detect a traffic light or stop sign, causing Model S to slow down unexpectedly. Be prepared to take immediate action at all times.

WARNING: You must briefly press the accelerator pedal to confirm that you want to proceed through an intersection, regardless of the status of the traffic light. If you do not confirm, Model S stops at the red stop line displayed on the instrument panel, even if stopping may be inappropriate. Stopping at a green light may confuse other drivers and may result in a collision, injury or death. Therefore, always pay attention to upcoming intersections and be prepared to manually brake or accelerate in response to surroundings.

WARNING: Never assume that your ability to see a traffic light, stop sign, or road marking (especially at a complex intersection, or an intersection in which a traffic light or sign is partially obstructed, etc.) means that Model S can also see it and respond appropriately.

WARNING: Even the most recent map data does not include all traffic lights and stop signs. Therefore, Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control relies heavily on the ability of the cameras to detect traffic lights, stop signs, road markings, etc. As a result, Model S may ignore an intersection that is blocked from the camera's view (for example, obstructed by a tree or a large vehicle or object, or located near a steep hill or sharp curve).

WARNING: Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control is not a substitute for attentive driving and sound judgment.

READ NEXT: