California threatens temporary ban on Tesla sales over “autopilot” claims
(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – California regulators are threatening to halt sales of Tesla vehicles in the state for 30 days over claims that the automaker’s use of the term “Autopilot” amounts to false advertising.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles alleges Tesla’s driver-assistance system does not live up to the name “Autopilot” because the vehicles are not capable of operating as fully independent, self-driving cars.
Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have often made ambitious claims about the capabilities of the company’s technology. However, the automaker has also repeatedly warned drivers that they must remain alert and ready to take control of the vehicle at all times, even when driver-assistance features are engaged.
The DMV first took action against Tesla over the use of the “Autopilot” term in 2023. Since then, state regulators and the company have been unable to reach an agreement.
If the dispute continues, Tesla would need a court to intervene in order to avoid a temporary halt of vehicle sales in California.
Tesla criticized the DMV’s action Tuesday, saying no single customer has come forward claiming they were misled or harmed by the terminology. The company maintains that vehicle sales in California will continue uninterrupted.
