Tesla adjusts high beams via the 2026.38 update. The headlights monitor the level on their own.

Tesla began rolling out update 2026.38 with Dynamic Headlight Leveling at the end of September 2026. The feature automatically adjusts the position of the high beams to better illuminate the road and reduce glare for other drivers.

This update does not require replacing headlamps or visiting a service center. It utilizes actuators that are already present in compatible headlights, but it is currently available only on a small number of vehicles.

This is not matrix adaptive lighting

Dynamic Headlight Leveling should be distinguished from matrix headlights. Matrix headlights control individual LED segments and dim the light around other vehicles. The new feature physically changes the tilt of the high beam projectors.

This is important during aggressive acceleration, driving uphill on a steep slope, or when the rear of the vehicle is heavily loaded. The roof lifts the front end at such times, and the headlights may start shining too high. The software responds to changes in the vehicle’s tilt and redirects the beam back down toward the road.

According to the description, the feature takes into account driving conditions and nearby traffic. The driver does not need to activate any additional setting; the adjustment happens automatically while driving.

The shape of the high-beam beam itself does not change. Dynamic leveling also does not replace adaptive headlights in vehicles that already have them. Tesla utilized an existing mechanism and added new behavior to it.

2026.38 just dropped.

The Model 3 features Dynamic Headlight Leveling — the low beams automatically adjust to avoid obstacles for optimal visibility and reduced glare. The Model 3 / Y (AMD HW3) also offers sharper Tesla visuals along with an improved park scene on the center display.

Legacy Intel cars get Supercharger Site… pic.twitter.com/45ac4AH6Vs

— Frunk To Trunk (@FrunkToTrunk) September 30, 2026

Limited rollout with no specific timeline

Initial reports mention select Tesla Model 3 and Cybertruck units in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. The feature does not appear to be limited to a specific hardware version, but Tesla has not released a list of compatible vehicles or a schedule for broader deployment.

Version 2026.38 also brings a sharper graphics interface and an improved parking view for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles equipped with AMD computers and HW3 hardware. However, it is the headlight leveling feature that is the change most noticeable outside of the central display.

This update comes after previous issues with excessive glare. Some older Model 3 and Model Y vehicles were subject to an NHTSA action in the U.S. regarding overly intense high beams. The new regulation may help address this issue in vehicles with the appropriate mechanism, but there is no indication it replaces the actions required under that action.

What remains to be seen now is which versions of headlights will actually receive this feature and whether it will also be available in vehicles in Europe. Tesla has not yet provided this information.

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