Tesla Full Self-Driving Stymied By Larger-Than-Average Stop Signs

Tesla has been sending out many mixed messages regarding the camera versus radar debate, but a recent discovery may prove that switching back to radar may be a better move. Tesla is doing the exact opposite, however.

In May this year, Elon Musk promised full self-driving within a year. This suggests that Tesla's current camera-based autonomous systems are good enough for hands-free driving. In June, it filed a patent for a new radar system, which indicated that Musk might be backpedaling on the previous statement.

Considering the price of Full Self-Driving recently shot up to $12,000, even on the most expensive Model S Plaid, you'd think a basic radar system would be included. As it turns out, the need for radar may be greater than ever, especially considering the discovery made by a Twitter user called Cowcumber.

Before we get to his discovery, it's worth noting that a large number of drivers using Tesla's Full Self-Driving beta have been having issues in which their cars creep slowly towards a stop sign well before the intersection. As it turns out, the reason behind this is quite simple. Tesla's equipped with the more recent camera-based system read a larger stop sign as closer and will slow down too soon.

Cowcumber tested the theory, measuring the size of stop signs in his region, and the car slowed down much sooner for the larger 48-inch sign than the 30-inch one. Other users quickly chimed in on the conversation, noting that they have the same issues, including incorrectly marking other signs as stops.

We find it slightly embarrassing that a customer made the discovery instead of Tesla's dedicated self-driving team.