Here's a summary of how it works

Tesla’s FSD v13 uses its multi-camera vision system and neural networks to detect posted speed limit signs (and other regulatory signage).

The detection pipeline combines in-vehicle sign recognition with map-based speed limit data and fleet-derived corrections. Once a sign is detected and validated, the speed limit value is fed into the driving stack to set target speeds (and optionally UI warnings).

There are engineering difficulties (visibility, sign format variation, latency, map vs vision conflicts) which Tesla addresses via improved hardware (camera resolution/fps) and improved networks (v13 architecture).

While not every sign is always recognized perfectly, Tesla’s approach shows an iterative maturation of the capability, especially for v13.

 

As you know, I'm in your town right now. I must say, there are some pretty strange street names out here. FSD was driving me down some road that was called a "court" which shows having a new roundabout recently added. Looking at the map ahead, it didn't see it until I was almost on top of it. I disengaged, as I was going over 45 MPH at a point I was not comfortable with. As I got closer, it showed the correct interchange, but I wasn't willing to risk it. After that, I re-engaged it. I believe I was coming up to rt 40 and the I saw a sign stating another new intersection. Basically, it used to be a typical stop where you could turn right or left. It was now a right turn only and they added a bunch of orange cones and signs stating "no left turn". FSD turned on the left signal and again I disengaged. I have made more U-turns in this town in 2 days, than I've done in the past year.

Again, don't get me wrong. I really like Tesla's FSD. It just keeps you on your toes at times.

 

Mike as you've no doubt seen, there's a ton of construction and development going on especially where you are. "Court"s are nothing new, just like "Walk"s or "Drive"s or "Circle"s or "Crescent"s and so on beyond the usual road, street, avenue.

also, you're near the world equestrian center (esp. on rt 40) where some previously possible traffic turns are no longer allowed because they know how much volume has increased and limit options to lessen accidents.

fsd can only adapt so much to unmapped changes, just like you're having to adapt to all the changes too.

i used fsd downtown ft. lauderdale which had TONS of construction, detours, traffic and cars parked on both sides of narrow roads. that was my first experience with fsd (in a cybertruck no less) and lemme tell ya it was nerve-wracking but it never did anything bad. helped that the car owner was calm and confident about it all.

in this area though i've had great success so far... also had it drive me to an address in the villages which was tricky, but it did great.

 

watched that video on x... that was insanely great. i recommend everyone watch it.

excited about getting 14.x... looks like it's starting to roll out beyond influencers now...

 

A "court" named road in the Midwest is a road that dead ends. Usually a very short road that has a turn-around at the end. That's why I was a little confused.

 

Using FSD when behind the wheel is of little interest beyond gadget novelty, but being able to dispatch my vehicle would be of value. Drive to the airport... then dispatch my vehicle back home... then come pick me up upon return. Lots of retail stores have curbside pick up, no need for me to be there. FSD car could drive itself for new tire installation... or follow me while I'm taking a non-FSD vehicle in for service... on and on. In other words, the value of FSD would be more about the vehicle operating when I'm not in it.

 

I would disagree with you. I used it on a 390 mile trip to SoCal, and it was the most relaxed trip I ever took. My brother in law uses it every day, and although he's in the driver's seat, loves it wouldn't have it any other way. I guess you have to experience it and live with it to understand

 

100% in agreement - and I've used it only a handful of times when I had a loaner Model 3 (HW3/FSD 13) and a demo Model S (HW4/FSD 13).

Definitely not a gadget in any sense of the word.

 

report back if your thoughts have changed when you've tried it.

 

I too honestly have no interest in FSD, I like lane centering and driving for me largely on a long highway trip but day to day I like driving.

 

Have you tried it already?

I love driving as well.

 

Just the concept of it doesn't interest me. I'm sure it works great.

I thought for instance I would always use distronic on the highway, but I only use it on trips. Driving day in and day out I would rather drive it myself.

 

Because driving in stop and go is so awesome lol.

 

Stop and go I use distronic and would use FSD.

 

As someone who owns FSD and uses it 1% of the time, I actually can understand what you're saying here. I trust FSD. I just actually like driving - and where I live the driving is conducive to me finding it continually enjoyable (not bumper-to-bumper city-style traffic; in which case I do think I'd use FSD more frequently) so for me it is still very enjoyable to actually drive.

I think there are some current "inconveniences" that could become modern conveniences with a car that can truly drive itself with no passenger. When I think of paying the $100/month or $8k up front for FSD, I'm not sure I personally receive the value of it from having it drive me somewhere right now. But if my car was doing some of the things that you mentioned - that would be really cool and really valuable to me as a way to maximize my time by avoiding some things I might not necessarily need to do anymore.

Good take IMO!