FAQ

comma openpilot is an open-source driver assistance system that provides adaptive cruise control (ACC) and automated lane centering. The system also includes a camera-based driver monitoring system that monitors driver alertness. Two fundamental safety principles apply: the driver can take over control immediately at any time, and vehicle path changes stay within safe limits.

openpilot connects to the car's CAN bus, enabling electronic steering, throttle, and brake commands that go beyond the manufacturer's built-in driver assistance features.

You can find the full list of supported vehicles on comma.ai's compatibility page. If you're not sure, contact us and we'll help you find out!

After checking compatibility, you'll need a comma device (e.g. comma four) and a car harness to connect the device to your vehicle. You can order both from us.

Yes, always! The driver must be able to take over manual control immediately at all times, by pressing the brake pedal or the cancel button. The driver monitoring system will automatically disengage openpilot if it detects inattention.

The system cannot drive autonomously and does not reduce the required attention. Limitations include: poor visibility, obstructed camera, sharp turns, construction zones, banked roads, extreme temperatures, and bright light.

ACC requires continuous driver attention. Performance may be reduced in poor visibility, obstructed sensors, incorrect mounting, toll gates, pedestrians/cyclists, unrecognized traffic signs, stationary vehicles, sudden braking situations, tight cut-ins, hills, winding roads, extreme temperatures, bright light, and ultrasonic interference.

When engaged, openpilot takes over the lane keeping assist (LKAS) and automatic lane centering (ALC) functions, which only work when openpilot is actively driving. The lane departure warning (LDW) works in both active and inactive states. On some vehicles, adaptive cruise control (ACC) is also replaced by openpilot's longitudinal control. Other safety features — such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and side collision warning — remain active.

Certain manual transmission cars are supported, provided they have the required equipment. More information is available on the comma.ai community Discord server, or you can ask via the contact page.

openpilot identifies the year, make, model, and trim level based on ECU firmware versions. If it doesn't recognize the car, it switches to dashcam mode, preserving factory features, and the user receives a notification on screen.

Updates arrive automatically over-the-air (OTA) when connected to the internet. The device notifies you when an update is available, but you can also check manually in the settings software menu.

The comma 3X can only run openpilot version 0.9.4 or newer. Using older versions requires a software-level modification to install a newer AGNOS system. If problems arise after installing an older openpilot version, you can reinstall AGNOS using the guide at flash.comma.ai.

The supported speed range varies by vehicle. The maximum speed matches the factory ACC capabilities, which is limited to approximately 148 km/h (92 mph).

Yes! openpilot is not region-locked and can be used anywhere in the world. Users must, of course, comply with local traffic laws and regulations.

A fingerprint identifies which vehicle openpilot is connected to, based on ECU firmware logging. Unknown firmware versions can be added to the system following developer community guides.

The device's dongle ID can be found in the Settings menu under the Device tab.

Feedback — whether positive or negative — can be shared on the comma.ai community Discord server's #openpilot-experience channel.