Tesla is currently facing a legal battle with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) over allegations of overstating the capabilities of its autopilot and full self-driving technologies. The DMV claims that Tesla misled consumers by advertising that its vehicles could operate autonomously without driver intervention. This legal dispute, which could result in the suspension or revocation of Tesla’s dealer license in California, is taking place in Oakland.
In addition to the DMV case, Tesla is also under scrutiny in a separate jury trial in Miami following a fatal 2019 collision involving its Autopilot system. The DMV alleges that Tesla made “untrue or misleading” statements in 2021 and 2022 regarding the autonomy of its vehicles equipped with driver-assist technology.
Tesla has argued that its promotional statements are protected under the First Amendment of the US Constitution as free speech. The company maintains that it has consistently communicated that its vehicles are not autonomous and require active driver supervision. Tesla’s attorneys have also stated that the DMV is misinterpreting the promotional statements and not acknowledging the cautions and disclaimers provided by Tesla regarding its systems.
Federal safety regulators have previously investigated multiple crashes involving Tesla’s Autopilot system, leading to a recall of two million cars in 2023 due to concerns about driver attentiveness. The automotive industry classifies vehicle automation levels from 0 to 5, with Tesla’s Autopilot system classified as Level 2, requiring continuous driver input and supervision.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both the DMV and Tesla have refrained from providing comments. In a recent incident, Tesla faced a lawsuit over a fatal accident in New Jersey involving a 2024 Model S equipped with autopilot and full self-driving features that resulted in the death of three family members.
Overall, the outcome of the legal battle between Tesla and the California DMV will have significant implications for the future marketing and regulation of autonomous driving technologies in the automotive industry. Tesla’s defense of its advertising practices and the DMV’s allegations will shape the narrative surrounding the responsibilities of manufacturers in promoting and ensuring the safety of advanced driver-assistance systems.
