California DMV Accuses Tesla of Making False Claims About its Driver-Assist Systems

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Tesla's currently in hot water because of its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems. The automaker is currently a part of an National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation and there are multiple calls for the brand's advanced systems to be removed from the vehicles. Controversy seems to follow Tesla's vehicles. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has become the latest to voice its concerns regarding Tesla's driver-assist systems. 

CA DMV Goes After Tesla

The California DMV has accused Tesla of falsely advertising its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems, reports the Los Angeles Times. While these driver-assist systems have names that make them sound like they can handle all driving tasks without any help from a driver, that's far from the case. The DMV also alleges that the all-electric automaker misled customers with language that overstated the systems capabilities. 

In complaints filed with the state Office of Administrative Hearings before the end of July, the DMV claims that Tesla "made or disseminated statements that are untrue or misleading, and not based on facts." As part of its proof, the DMV points to Tesla's website where it found language of how the automaker exaggerates its driver-assist systems' capabilities. 

"All you need to do is get in and tell your car where to go," Tesla's website reads. "If you don't say anything, your car will look at your calendar and take you there as the assumed destination. Your Tesla will figure out the optimal route, navigating urban streets, complex intersections and freeways." 

What Tesla's Driver-Assist Systems Really Can Do

Tesla's vehicles aren't currently capable of completing these actions and weren't able to when the automaker originally had these claims on its website. Tesla's driver-assist systems are currently labeled as Level 2 systems, which require drivers to be alert behind the wheel at all times. So, you can see where the confusion comes from. 

In its complaint, the DMV also noted that Tesla's website claims that "the currently enabled features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous." However, the DMV points toward how this "contradicts the original untrue or misleading labels and claims, which is misleading, and does not cure the violation." 

The California DMV proposes that Tesla should have its license to sell cars in the state revoked or that Tesla pay restitution to customers that have suffered a financial loss from the misrepresentation of its driver-assist features. These choices, though are probably unlikely, as the California DMV will probably require Tesla to better educate its buyers on exactly what the capabilities of its systems are. Education could include having a warning on the limits of the systems. 

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods