A blind spot warning system is a crucial safety feature. A Tesla will both warn you of a car in your blind spot and physically Spot you from changing lanes into it.
The “Side Collision Warning” feature of Tesla’s blind spot detection system uses a mix of sensors and software to track the surroundings of the car. It then warns the driver if there is a risk of a collision.
Does Tesla Have Blind Spot Warning?

Yes, it does. A Tesla will alert you to the presence of a vehicle in your blind spot. And will physically prevent you from swerving into it.
People look for warnings in the mirrors, where one should be looking when changing lanes. But you need to see the screens too.
Moreover, a Tesla will physically prevent you from changing lanes into a vehicle in the blind spot and issue a very audible warning.
Tesla not only alerts drivers when someone is in their blind spot. But also provides a live video feed of what is happening around the car.
This system is far superior to other cars’ blind-spot monitors. Other cars typically just provide an audio warning when someone is in the driver’s blind spot.
How Does Tesla’s Blind Spot Warning Really Work?
Tesla has 360-degree cameras and artificial intelligence software that can recognize vehicles nearby. It detects the vehicle’s speeds, etc.
As a human driver, you can choose:
- To have the car beep if you begin to change lanes when there is something in an oncoming blind area.
- Or, if you do that, you can have it lead you back into your lane on its own.
- Whenever you use a turn signal, you can also have it show the view from the relevant side camera. And if you put the car in reverse, both side cameras.
Tesla has 360 degree vision when the car is driving itself. Or if it’s doing automatic crash-avoidance. So the chances of facing the blindspots are narrow.
Variations In Blind Spot Monitoring Features Across Different Tesla Vehicles
Here’s how blind spot features work across Tesla models:
Model 3

Yes, but with a caveat. About a year after model 3 launched, it was first introduced. It came in the form of a software upgrade.
Tesla takes a different strategy from most other automakers, handling blind spot warnings differently.
Firstly, cars in your blind spot are indicated on a touch screen in red. There is an audio warning if you try to change lanes with a car in your blind spot.
If a car is drifting out of its lane and could cause a collision, or if the car is close to the edge of the road, the car will automatically steer back into its lane.
Model Y

Yes. It has a visual depiction of vehicles around you on the main screen (left side). And when enabling the blind spot monitoring, it has a chime if you attempt to leave your lane into an occupied lane (right side).
The Model Y comes equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including a system called “Tesla Autopilot” that includes blind spot monitoring. The system uses cameras and sensors to detect other vehicles in the blind spot and provides visual and audible alerts to the driver if a vehicle is detected.
You can also activate your cameras continuously while driving in any direction for blind spots on the screen.
Model X/S
The Model S can detect objects in blind spots using ultrasonic sensors on either side of the vehicle. When a car enters these zones, the driver is alerted through visual indicators. The instrument panel displays colored lines that depict the image of your vehicle.
It prompts them to get cautious while changing lanes. As a first-generation implementation, this BSM system lays the groundwork for Tesla’s subsequent developments.
What Are the Visual and Auditory Cues for Blind Spot Warning in Teslas?
Here are the ways to know Tesla is giving blind spot warning:
Visual Alerts on Side Mirrors:
When a vehicle enters the blind spot on either side of the Tesla, a warning icon appears on the corresponding side mirror. It typically resembles a car or an exclamation mark, drawing the driver’s attention to the potential hazard.
Discreet Interior Warning:
In addition to the visual alerts on the side mirrors, some Tesla models may also include a discreet interior warning. It could be in the form of a subtle icon or symbol on the driver’s instrument panel or head-up display.
Steering Wheel Vibration:
In some Tesla models, there might be an option to enable steering wheel vibration as part of the Blind Spot Monitoring system. When activated, if the driver attempts to change lanes while a vehicle is in the blind spot, the steering wheel may vibrate gently as an additional tactile warning.
Audible Warning:
The audible “chime” on a Tesla only comes on when you are about to merge into a blind spot with a car. So basically it’s almost useless. This is normal behavior and one of the things people have been complaining about on Teslas since the beginning.
But some third-party manufacturers offered radar-based BSM systems with audible alerts.
These systems emit an audible sound or beep when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, providing an extra layer of awareness for the driver.
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What’s the Difference Between Tesla’s Blind Spot Warning and Autopilot?
Below is a comparison between Tesla’s Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Autopilot:
Feature | Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Autopilot |
Purpose | Enhances driver awareness during lane changes. | Automates driving tasks partially. |
Functionality | Monitors blind spots via sensors. | Uses cameras and sensors for driving tasks. |
Alerts | Visual alerts on side mirrors and instrument panels, audible alerts. | Provides adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, etc. |
Level of Autonomy | Cannot automatically control the vehicle after a warning. | Level 2 automation; requires driver supervision. |
Aftermarket Upgrades and Software Tune-Ups for Tesla’s Blind Spot Warning

Some people would prefer blind spot warnings in the side mirrors that most other modern cars have. One such upgrade is this one. Or you can just install an extra mirror to avoid the blind spot.
If you have software that is version 11.1 (the most recent release; check the Software tab on the screen to see your version), click the AUTOPILOT tab inside the vehicle (2023.12.5).
Enable the slider under AUTOMATIC BLIND SPOT CAMERA by scrolling down. When activated, it will glow blue. Additionally, the side-mounted camera will continuously and in real-time show the whole rear side view of your vehicle.
Compared to a standard blind zone alert, it works far better. You can choose from three locations for the live view camera: two on the screen’s automobile icon area, one on the mapping section.
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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Can Tesla’s Blind Spot warning detect bicycles and pedestrians?
While the BSW system may have the capability to detect larger objects, such as bicycles and pedestrians, its primary focus is on warning the driver about other motor vehicles.
How does Blind Spot Monitoring differentiate between vehicles and other objects?
Using sophisticated sensor technologies, such as radar or ultrasonic sensors, to detect objects in blind spots.
Can Blind Spot Monitoring be retrofitted to older vehicles?
In some cases, yes.
Can Blind Spot Monitoring prevent all accidents?
Blind Spot Monitoring can significantly reduce the risk of accidents during lane changes. But it cannot prevent all collisions.