California Threatens Tesla
Faces 30-Day Sales Suspension Over Self-Driving Claims
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued a warning to Tesla, threatening a 30-day suspension of its sales license in the state. This move comes as a result of Tesla’s alleged deceptive practices in marketing its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems. The DMV claims Tesla misleads customers by overstating the capabilities of these driver-assist technologies, potentially putting public safety at risk.
Tesla has been criticized for advertising Autopilot and FSD as fully autonomous systems, despite requiring driver supervision and intervention. The DMV’s action aims to ensure Tesla accurately represents its technology to consumers, preventing misunderstandings about the actual level of autonomy and safety features. This regulatory pressure adds to the ongoing scrutiny Tesla faces over its self-driving claims and the real-world performance of its vehicles.
If Tesla fails to comply with the DMV’s demands, it could face a suspension that would halt sales in California, one of its largest markets. This situation underscores the growing challenges automakers encounter as they develop and promote advanced driver-assistance systems while navigating evolving regulatory landscapes.