In an effort to comply with state regulations, Tesla has stopped using the term “Autopilot” to describe its driver assistance features in California. The decision comes after the California DMV warned that continued use of the term could result in a 30-day suspension from operating in the state. Previously, the company began transitioning away from including Autopilot as standard equipment, encouraging users to opt for its subscription-based offerings.
The controversy around the terminology dates back to 2023, with the DMV expressing concerns about both “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving.” In response, Tesla has adjusted its marketing to include “(Supervised)” alongside instances of “Full Self-Driving” and “FSD” on its website. According to Steve Gordon, director of the California DMV, Tesla has taken necessary steps to meet consumer protection standards.
Despite these adjustments, Tesla faced criticism for the performance of its driver assistance systems. A ranking from Consumer Reports placed Tesla's technology eighth, below competitors like Ford and Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, recent data indicated that Tesla’s robotaxi program reported five crashes, significantly higher than the average rate for human drivers during the same period.