Tesla VP Says Adaptive Headlights Are Coming to North America Soon

By Karan Singh
Lighting Manufacturer

Tesla launched its adaptive headlights for vehicles with matrix headlights in software update 2024.2. However, the launch excluded North America, where the regulations for adaptive headlights differ from those in Europe.

While Transport Canada has approved adaptive headlight use since 2018, NHTSA has lagged behind considerably, with regulation approval only coming last year. While other manufacturers like Rivian have already launched adaptive headlights in the United States, Tesla is still working on their implementation. The good news is that it looks like Tesla is finally close to completing its implementation of the feature and all recent vehicles will be supported in a software update soon.

Lars Moravy, VP of Vehicle Engineering at Tesla, confirmed on X that adaptive headlight functionality is around the corner for North America. Tesla has already added some changes for matrix headlights with update 2024.20 in North America, but the changes are very subtle.

Adaptive Headlights

@DBurkland

Matrix headlights are able to independently control their LEDs to adapt to the light distribution pattern based on traffic conditions and road curvature. That means you can selectively brighten, dim, activate, or deactivate specific pixels in the matrix array to form dark or light areas in the headlight pattern.

Effectively, you can have perfect high beams while not dazzling drivers or pedestrians in front of your vehicle. Essentially, as oncoming traffic or traffic ahead of you is recognized, the matrix array will track them and blot out the light that would be landing on their vehicle.

How to Tell If You Have Matrix Headlights

To check if your Tesla has matrix headlights, examine the outer edge of the headlight. If there’s a prominent, round projector dome (see the image below), your headlights are likely matrix. If this dome is absent, you have standard, non-matrix headlights.

Another way to confirm is to run a stock light show while parked facing a wall; if the Tesla logo appears in letters, matrix headlights are installed. In general, all Teslas produced after January 2023 come with matrix headlights, while models built between December 2021 and early 2023 may have them, depending on the availability of parts and your region.

Matrix headlights have a circular dome projector on the outer edge
Matrix headlights have a circular dome projector on the outer edge
Not a Tesla App

Release Date

Tesla has been developing support for adaptive headlights for North America for some time now. Lars has commented on Tesla’s work on bringing the feature to North America before, but his latest “almost there” comment suggests Tesla is close to releasing the feature. Lars’ previous comment on matrix headlight support was in March of this year, where it complimented the work of the Tesla team in rolling it out to Europe and said that more regions and features will follow as Tesla gets the necessary certifications.

Tesla has various headlight designs, and the implementation could be different depending on the model, so not all models may receive support at the same time. Given Tesla’s most popular vehicles, we may see this added to the Model 3 and Model Y before the Model S, Model X, and the new Model 3.

The addition of adaptive headlights is a huge safety feature and one that will also have a positive effect on safety ratings, so expect Tesla to prioritize this feature over others. Given the timing, we may even see this as part of Tesla’s upcoming holiday update.

Tesla Reveals How It Tests FSD - A Series of Videos

By Not a Tesla App Staff
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has published a 16-post series covering a wide range of unique scenarios against which the company tests each FSD release. Tesla’s VP of AI, Ashok Elluswamy, also provided some additional context, which we’ll cover below.

These scenarios could be difficult for a regular driver to respond to and are a good demonstration of FSD’s capabilities. Let’s take a look at all the different scenarios that Tesla regularly tests against. According to Ashok, these tests are only one of 10 ways Tesla validates their software. These tests were done against FSD v12.5.6.3, the HW4 build that’s on approximately 20% of the fleet.

We’ve embedded each video below and also provided some additional information.

1. Reverse Cut-in (Occluded)

This first test is for a car reversing out of a parking space, while occluded (vision blocked) by another car or obstacle. In the test, the Model Y notices the incoming car and then brakes with space left over.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Every FSD release is rigorously tested, including rare and adversarial scenarios on closed courses — Here&#39;s 16 examples:<br><br>1. Reverse Cut-in (Occluded) <a href="https://t.co/VWBKDgVuUc">pic.twitter.com/VWBKDgVuUc</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795396584591799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

2. Peeking (Occluded)

In this video, it's hard to even spot the car on the right that’s “peeking” forward—it's occluded by bushes on the side of the road. FSD notices and stops in time to let the other vehicle safely pass.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2. Peeking (Occluded) <a href="https://t.co/DO3RBhahdy">pic.twitter.com/DO3RBhahdy</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795398463562108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

3. Left Turn Cut-in

An incoming vehicle that takes a left turn to enter the same lane of travel as FSD - spotted, stopped, and then continuing smoothly. In the second shot, you can see FSD left a considerable amount of space to let the vehicle cut in.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">3. Left Turn Cut-In <a href="https://t.co/ie7VQ9Smtj">pic.twitter.com/ie7VQ9Smtj</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795400300736695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

4. Parallel Cut-in (Occluded)

This is honestly one of the most common scenarios on a highway - someone cuts in while obscured into your lane of travel. Once again, FSD does its thing with plenty of space to spare.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">4. Parallel Cut-In (Occluded) <a href="https://t.co/RbstvLU7Vo">pic.twitter.com/RbstvLU7Vo</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795402234237052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

5. Yield for Oncoming During Overtake

FSD’s path planner plans an overtake around a stationary vehicle here, sees the oncoming traffic, and politely waits its turn to continue. This is another everyday scenario, especially on urban and suburban streets.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5. Yield for Oncoming During Overtake <a href="https://t.co/hXWLCIEHu2">pic.twitter.com/hXWLCIEHu2</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795404184646103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

6. Stop Sign Right-of-Way Violator

There are a surprising number of people who don’t know how stop signs work. However, FSD does know how they work and also knows what to do if others act unpredictably. This is one of the best demonstrations of FSD’s capability to react quickly and effectively to unpredictable behavior on the roads.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">6. Stop Sign Right-of-Way Violator <a href="https://t.co/OHfvzP9t6A">pic.twitter.com/OHfvzP9t6A</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795406101402020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

7. Door Opening During Overtake

Another overtake scenario, but this time the vehicle being overtaken throws open its door into traffic. Not necessarily the wisest of moves, but humans are unpredictable. Good to see Tesla working to save its vehicles from both hitting the door or having the door hit with its new Blind Spot Monitoring While Parked feature.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">7. Door Opening During Overtake <a href="https://t.co/ZMDd3BWXI7">pic.twitter.com/ZMDd3BWXI7</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795408030872022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

8. Right Turn Harsh Braking

This scenario is another common one - someone is taking a right turn, and you expect them to complete the turn, but they go ahead and slam on the brakes. Here, FSD brakes in time - using Automatic Emergency Braking - and then continues safely. Tesla has been working to improve AEB and the scenarios it can react to - and these are all a part and parcel of FSD’s real-time and active safety features.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">8. Right Turn Harsh Braking <a href="https://t.co/s4PldABmhK">pic.twitter.com/s4PldABmhK</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795410023161991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

9. Left Turn Across Path

This one is pretty clean-cut - someone takes a left turn even though you’re on your way through the intersection. This particular accident is one of the most common - 53% of cross-path accidents involve a left turn through an intersection where a side impact will be lethal. FSD can make a big difference - over 8,000 people die in North America alone in this particular scenario.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">9. Left Turn Across Path <a href="https://t.co/MYKj4Z352f">pic.twitter.com/MYKj4Z352f</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795411927363782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

10. Cut-Out to Static Cone

Here, FSD smoothly reacts to an object on the road as the vehicle ahead dodges it. We’d love to see this scenario done with different types of objects or debris, as this is another common item - especially with roadkill on country roads. A good demo of FSD’s collision avoidance maneuvers too!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">10. Cut-Out to Static Cone <a href="https://t.co/l4OYzLK6XB">pic.twitter.com/l4OYzLK6XB</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795413802148027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

11. Dynamic Debris (Dropped Cone)

Taking it one step further, FSD successfully notices, slows down, stops itself from hitting the bouncing cone, and then makes it around safely. If you’ve ever seen someone strap something down in the bed of a pickup and forget to say “This ain’t going anywhere” - this is that exact scenario.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">11. Dynamic Debris (Dropped Cone) <a href="https://t.co/BMOKmrx9Ds">pic.twitter.com/BMOKmrx9Ds</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795415681180099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

12. U-Turn Cut-in (Occluded)

Another high-speed occluded cut-in, this time for a vehicle making a U-Turn from an oddly shaped intersection. FSD started braking the moment the first couple pixels of the Model Y were beyond the bush occluding vision. With a human’s reaction time, this would have resulted in a T-bone.

Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s Director of AI - mentioned that this is possible because of low latency and high intelligence - combined together, it enables FSD to make a threat assessment and decide what to do, very quickly. It also considers the potential of a rear-end collision - and there is collision avoidance baked into that decision-making.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">12. U-Turn Cut-In (Occluded) <a href="https://t.co/gp7H720mJd">pic.twitter.com/gp7H720mJd</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795417556115748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

13. High-Speed Cut-out to Stationary Vehicle

Similar to the cone cut-out, this one happens at 73mph (117km/h)! FSD sees the car dodging, notices there’s an obstacle, and moves out of the way without dropping speed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">13. High Speed Cut-Out to Stationary Vehicle <a href="https://t.co/qC8JQU4WH1">pic.twitter.com/qC8JQU4WH1</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795419904888941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

14. High-Speed Harsh Braking

Another common scenario - in fact, the number one reason why pileups occur on highways is the harsh, sudden braking of vehicles in front. FSD once again notices and comes to a safe stop here.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">14. High Speed Harsh Braking <a href="https://t.co/YD76gh5b2m">pic.twitter.com/YD76gh5b2m</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795421926556023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

15. High-Speed Stationary Child

Tesla has been previously greatly criticized for its ability to come to a safe stop for children playing on the road. Here, Tesla is demonstrating its capability of doing so - once again with highway speeds of 73mph

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">15. High Speed Stationary Child <a href="https://t.co/sh8xoMo8eF">pic.twitter.com/sh8xoMo8eF</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795423902040488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

16. High-Speed Crossing Child

And to really make the point - it can do it with a crossing child too. Tesla has made a strong commitment to safety for vulnerable road users, and this is a good way to show how it works.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">16. High Speed Crossing Child <a href="https://t.co/t6bxJpZOZn">pic.twitter.com/t6bxJpZOZn</a></p>&mdash; Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI/status/1860795425814720632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That’s a lot of unique scenarios that Tesla tests against - and each and every build has to be vetted against this huge list of different safety tests in order to ensure that the build that ends up in customer hands is as safe as possible. With FSD v13 looking like it's coming soon, we’re excited to see where this takes Tesla next. 

With Musk announcing that FSD v13 is coming soon, it really is starting to feel like Unsupervised FSD and Robotaxi could be pushed out sometime next year.

Musk Confirms FSD V13 is Coming Soon

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla announced an updated roadmap for FSD in late October. With it, they announced that FSD v13, the one that’s expected to make Unsupervised FSD feature complete (although not 100% reliable), would start being sent to employees by the end of the week.

We have yet to see any hints or sightings of employees testing FSD v13, but Elon Musk has now stated that FSD v13 is coming soon.

It sounds like Musk is talking about the employee release as it usually does, but it’s not immediately clear. Tesla originally predicted that select owners would receive FSD v13.3 around Thanksgiving.

Musk also mentioned that FSD v13 is trending to be about 500% better than the current build of v12.5.5.3 on the Cybertruck. If that’s true, Unsupervised FSD is just a regulatory leap away, rather than a technical or training challenge. However, let’s remember that Musk has often thrown out these vast improvement numbers that don’t appear to materialize when the update rolls out to customers. There’s no doubt that FSD v13 will be a big milestone and have several new features, such as Autopark at destination, Unpark and more, but the much lower miles per intervention will likely come in later revisions.

Tesla has already seen drastic improvements this year, moving from V11.4.9 to v12.3.6, and then more recently to V12.5.4.2. Each successive build has had major improvements in how FSD is able to react and respond in real-time while also becoming smoother and safer.

We’re in for some exciting times as an even better FSD version makes its way to customers soon. And in order to really make the point, Tesla has also shown off how they conduct FSD Safety Testing in a series of videos, which we’ll include below.

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Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

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Latest Tesla Update

Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

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