Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Tesla FSD Tackles Narrow Slovenian Mountain Road, Sparking Debate
A video shows a Tesla driving on a very narrow mountain road in Slovenia.
Another vehicle came toward it, and there was not enough room for both cars.
The Tesla moved backward to a wider place so the other vehicle could pass.
Then it drove forward again along the difficult road.
The car appeared to steer and move without visible help from the driver.
Some people thought this showed impressive artificial intelligence in a real situation.
Other people wondered what would happen if two self-driving Teslas met in the same narrow place.
Tesla still says drivers must pay attention and be ready to take control.
A Tesla using Full Self-Driving navigated a narrow section of Slovenia’s Mangart Saddle Road.
When an oncoming Citroën SUV blocked the route, the Tesla automatically reversed to a wider area.
The vehicle later continued along the mountain road without visible driver input.
Mangart Saddle Road rises to 2,055 metres and features tunnels, steep drop-offs and narrow sections.
Viewers praised the maneuver, while others questioned how autonomous vehicles would resolve similar encounters.
- Who
- A Tesla using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system and an oncoming Citroën SUV.
- What
- The Tesla automatically reversed and then navigated a narrow mountain road around oncoming traffic.
- When
- The article does not specify when the footage was recorded; it was shared on X.
- Where
- Mangart Saddle Road, also called Mangartska cesta, in Slovenia’s Julian Alps near the Italian border.
- Why
- The footage was shared as an example of autonomous-driving performance in a challenging real-world setting and prompted debate about the technology.
Technology Supporters
Technology Skeptics
Performance on difficult roads
Technology Supporters
The Tesla’s automatic reversing and subsequent navigation demonstrated impressive performance in a challenging real-world setting.
Technology Skeptics
Some viewers said an experienced local driver familiar with the route might have handled the pass more efficiently.
Handling encounters between autonomous vehicles
Technology Supporters
The video suggests the system can assess traffic and create space when another vehicle approaches on a narrow road.
Technology Skeptics
One commenter questioned what would happen if two Teslas using Full Self-Driving met on the same narrow road and had to decide who should yield.
Meaning of the demonstration
Technology Supporters
Supporters viewed the footage as an example of “real-world AI” and autonomous-driving capability.
Technology Skeptics
The system remains an advanced driver-assistance system, and Tesla says drivers must stay attentive and ready to take control.
- Road
- Mangart Saddle Road, or Mangartska cesta
- Location
- Julian Alps, Slovenia, near the Italian border
- Elevation
- 2,055 metres
- Driving challenge
- Narrow one-lane, two-way sections, tunnels and steep drop-offs
- Immediate maneuver
- The Tesla reversed to a wider spot to let an oncoming Citroën SUV pass
- System capabilities
- Tesla’s Full Self-Driving suite can assist with steering, acceleration, braking, intersections, traffic signals, lane changes and parking
- Safety requirement
- Tesla requires drivers to remain attentive and ready to take control