After testing on public roads, Tesla is rolling out a new feature of its partially automated driving system designed to spot stop signs and traffic signals. The update of the electric car company's cruise control and auto-steer systems is a step toward CEO Elon Musk's pledge to convert cars to fully self-driving vehicles later this year. But it also runs contrary to recommendations from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board that include limiting where Tesla's Autopilot driving system can operate because it has failed to spot and react to hazards in at least three fatal crashes. In a note sent to a group of Tesla owners who were picked to test the stop light and sign recognition feature, the company said it can be used with the Traffic Aware Cruise Control or Autosteer systems. The feature will slow the car whenever it detects a traffic light, including those that are green or blinking yellow.

Tesla owners may soon be able to check stopping at traffic lights off their list of manual tasks. In a video posted to Twitter by a podcaster who focuses on the Elon Musk-owned electric/self-driving auto company, one of the manufacturer's cars can be seen driving through several green lights until it reaches a red one and then slowing to a stop. 'Autopilot stopping for red lights!' reads the Tweet, followed by, 'let's goooooooo.' The feature marks an incremental step toward full autonomy for the company's autopilot software which is currently able to automate several different functions. Tesla has yet to fully announce the feature despite the video posted on Friday.