California Asks Tesla to Stop Using the Word 'Autopilot' in Ads
The state of California is looking to crackdown on how Tesla advertises its Autopilot system.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has formally issued draft regulation that demands Tesla cease and desist from using the terms “self-driving,” “automated,” or “auto-pilot” when it comes to advertising its vehicles, unless they are capable of driving themselves without any human backup.
Currently, the California DMV rates Tesla’s Autopilot as a “level-two version” of self-driving technology, and the draft regulations will only allow vehicles rated at levels three, four or five to advertise they are capable of self-driving while on any form of “auto-pilot.”
On the current five-step scale that has been adopted by the federal government and the auto industry, level three vehicles are able to drive themselves under limited conditions without a human occupant paying attention and ready to intervene. A level five vehicle must be able to operate fully autonomously under the most severe conditions.
SEE ALSO: Tesla Autopilot is Far From Perfect: The Skinny with Craig Cole
A Tesla spokeswoman replied to the San Francisco Chronicle saying, “Tesla is reviewing the draft regulations and will provide input to the DMV as appropriate. Autopilot makes driving safer and less stressful, and we have always been clear that it does not make a car autonomous any more than its namesake makes an aircraft autonomous.”
Tesla’s Autopilot has become the center of controversy after numerous reports of accidents have surfaced, with at least one being fatal.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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if i were California; i'd ask them to stop using Tesla's name on something so clearly unrelated to the man