Rivian’s Major New Update Enables Universal Hands-Free Driving Across North America

Rivian is rolling out its most advanced driver-assist feature yet. The electric vehicle maker began deploying its “Universal Hands-Free” software on Thursday, December 18, 2025. This major update is for second-generation R1T and R1S models.

It significantly expands where drivers can use the hands-free system. The feature now operates on millions of miles of roads, not just highways. This marks a pivotal step in Rivian’s long-term autonomy plans.

From Highways to City Streets: A Drastic Expansion of Capability

The new software works on over 3.5 million miles of roads. This includes highways and many surface streets across the U.S. and Canada. According to TechCrunch, the system only requires visible lane lines to function.

Previously, Rivian’s hands-free driving was limited to 135,000 highway miles. This update represents a more than 25-fold increase in operational road coverage. It is a substantial leap for the company’s Driver+ system.

However, important limitations remain for safety. The system will not stop for red lights or stop signs. It also cannot make turns or follow navigation instructions automatically.

Drivers must keep their eyes on the road and be ready to take control. If a driver uses a turn signal and initiates a turn manually, the system will re-engage afterward. This supervised approach is standard for current Level 2 driver-assist technology.

A Strategic Move in a Competitive and Cautious Market

Rivian revealed this technology at its first “Autonomy & AI Day” last week. The update is a stepping stone toward more advanced features. The company aims to release a point-to-point autonomous driving system by 2026.

CEO RJ Scaringe outlined future hardware plans for full autonomy. The upcoming R2 SUV, due in 2026, will feature a new autonomy computer and roof-mounted lidar. This hardware is designed to eventually enable fully self-driving capabilities.

The launch occurs amid intense scrutiny of driver-assist systems. Competitors like Tesla and Ford have faced investigations after crashes involving similar technology. Rivian’s cautious, geofenced rollout reflects an industry balancing innovation with safety.

The update also includes non-autonomy features. These are a new digital wallet key for smartphones and the “Kick Turn” feature for quad-motor models. The “RAD Tuner” also allows for customizable drive modes.

Rivian’s universal hands-free driving update is a bold expansion of its technology. It positions the brand as a serious player in the automated driving arena while navigating a landscape demanding responsible deployment.

Info at your fingertips

What is Rivian’s Universal Hands-Free driving?

It is a new software update that allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel on supported roads. The system works on over 3.5 million miles of highways and streets with clear lane markings in the U.S. and Canada.

What can’t the Rivian hands-free system do?

The system will not stop for traffic signals or stop signs. It also cannot make turns or follow navigation routes by itself. The driver must always supervise and be prepared to intervene immediately.

Which Rivian vehicles get this update?

The update is for the second-generation R1T truck and R1S SUV. Owners of these models will receive the software over-the-air. First-generation R1 vehicles are not included in this release.

When is Rivian’s fully autonomous driving coming?

Rivian has announced plans for a point-to-point autonomous driving feature. According to company statements, this more advanced capability is slated for a 2026 release.

How does this compare to Tesla’s Autopilot?

Both are Level 2 driver-assist systems requiring constant driver supervision. A key difference is that Rivian’s system is geofenced to specific mapped roads, while Tesla’s operates more broadly but with similar functional limitations.