Federal Regulators Demand Data from Tesla on Hands-Free Autopilot Feature
Federal vehicle regulators have sent a letter to Tesla, ordering the company to provide data about its driver assistance and monitoring systems. The demand comes after the discovery of a secret feature that allows users to use the autopilot without keeping their hands on the steering wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted the letter on its website, expressing concerns about the potential impact on driver safety.
Referred to as “Elon mode,” the hands-free feature has raised red flags for the NHTSA. The agency worries that now that the existence of this feature is public knowledge, more drivers may attempt to activate it. John Donaldson, acting chief counsel for the agency, wrote in the letter, “The resulting relaxation of controls designed to ensure that the driver remain engaged in the dynamic driving task could lead to greater driver inattention and failure of the driver to properly supervise Autopilot.”
Typically, drivers are required to keep their hands on the wheel when using autopilot. If their hands are not detected, they receive a warning. However, “Elon Mode” turns off these warnings, enabling drivers to go completely hands-free. Tesla has repeatedly emphasized the importance of driver attention when using autopilot to prevent accidents. The technology has faced increasing scrutiny from regulators.
In the letter, the NHTSA demands a response from Tesla regarding the rollout of the hands-free feature and any future distribution plans. The company was given a deadline of August 25 to respond, or it could face fines of $26,000 per day. It remains unclear whether Tesla has responded to the letter. The Hill has reached out to Tesla for comment.
This development follows the California Attorney General’s office announcement of an investigation into Tesla’s autopilot software for safety concerns. The office alleges that Tesla’s autopilot is less safe than advertised, and that the company’s advertising of its capabilities was misleading.
As of now, it is uncertain how Tesla will address the concerns raised by federal regulators and the ongoing investigations.