Tesla enables automatic lane change feature in the US

Tesla has begun rolling out an over-the-air software change to its Navigate on Autopilot feature, which allows the car to automatically change lanes when driving on a highway.

Previously for cars equipped with Navigate on Autopilot, the vehicle was able to drive accelerate, brake and steer for itself on divided highways.

When the car decided it wanted to and could change lanes, it would alert the driver, who could then check the surroundings and confirm the request by tapping on the indicator or cruise control wands.

With the latest software update, drivers can elect to remove the confirmation process. They can even choose not to receive any warning about the car's lane-changing intentions.

If notifications or confirmations are turned on, the driver can cancel a lane change by using the indicator or "pressing the lane change cancellation pop-up notification on the car’s touchscreen".

The electric automaker points out: "This feature does not make a car autonomous, and lane changes will only be made when a driver’s hands are detected on the wheel".

"As has always been the case, until truly driverless cars are validated and approved by regulators, drivers are responsible for and must remain in control of their car at all times."

At present the new feature will only be available in the US for customers who have purchased Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving Capability for their vehicle.

According to Tesla it will roll out the feature to "other markets in the future pending validation and regulatory approval".

Tesla's local division was unable to give any indication regarding the rollout of the new feature in Australia.

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