Tesla Autopilot now stops at red lights -- maybe

Fresh updates for Tesla vehicles equipped with the car-maker's latest Autopilot semi-autonomous cruise control system will soon bring a new traffic light recognition function.

According to tech blog

Set to be available for vehicles with 'Hardware 3' fitted, the new traffic light recognition system only works with the optional 'Full Self-Driving Capability' pack fitted.

When activated, the system will reportedly scan the road ahead for not only obstacles but traffic lights and stop signs, causing the Tesla to automatically halt.

To get the vehicle to restart, the driver is required to pull down once on the Autopilot stalk or tap the accelerator.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Tesla has already admitted the traffic light detection isn't foolproof and occasionally struggles at some intersections, pedestrian crosswalks and, alarmingly, some railroad crossings.

It's also unknown whether or not the system has been calibrated to recognise traffic lights in countries outside of the US, which may position their signals in differing positions.

In a statement accompanying its new software update, Tesla said:

“Performance may be degraded in difficult environments with pedestrians, rain, direct sunlight or when approaching traffic controls that are obstructed."

The car-maker also says the new feature still requires the driver to "pay attention and be ready to take immediate action at all times, including braking” when the system is in operation.

It's unclear if traffic light recognition will be rolled out in Europe and Australia.