Man driving Tesla Model 3 on autopilot blocked out all the cameras to see if it would still work
Published on Jul 31, 2025 at 8:15 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Aug 01, 2025 at 4:21 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
This man drove a Tesla Model 3 on autopilot and blocked out all the cameras to see if it would still work.
Jack Massey Welsh wanted to put the EV to the ultimate test.
There were four cameras to cover – two on the side, one on the front, and one on the back.
Could the autopilot function, or would this be the technology’s Achilles’ Heel?
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This man drove a Tesla Model 3 on autopilot – with all the cameras blocked
For the sake of this experiment, Welsh covered up the cameras with Blu-Tack.
You know that sticky stuff you use to hang things on the wall?
Well, as anyone who has gotten it stuck in their hair can attest, it’s a sturdy material.
But the question remained – would it be enough to foil Tesla’s most enticing function?
He started off by covering up the camera on the driver’s side of the car – and autopilot still worked.
Eventually, a warning popped up to say that the camera was blocked.
“I reckon covering up [the front camera] is going to be the one that causes the most issues,” he predicted.
Autopilot was still working when the camera on the passenger side was blocked.
How would things work when all the cameras were covered up?
It seemed that the front camera being blocked was the issue that made the self-driving cease working.
“Multiple cameras blocked or blinded, we just can’t go into autopilot,” Welsh said.
Once the front camera was uncovered, it went back to normal.
Autopilot seems to be all the rage these days
In increasing numbers, people are trying out the autopilot feature on their Tesla – even if it costs more than the car in some cases.
And naturally, some people want to experiment with it.
One YouTuber went the Looney Tunes route and decided to play the Wile E. Coyote trick on autopilot.
It’s set to be a big part of the Robotaxi service being rolled out in cities like San Francisco and Austin.
Here’s hoping no passengers are carrying blue tack with them.
To see Jack Massey Welsh putting his EV to the test, visit his YouTube channel.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
