California DMV Seeking 30-Day Tesla Sale Suspension for Unrealistic 'Autopilot,' 'Full Self-Driving' Claims

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is seeking a 30-day suspension of Tesla's ability to sell its vehicles in the state. The DMV alleges that Tesla has made "untrue or misleading" claims about the capabilities of its "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" features, leading to consumer confusion and potential safety risks. The DMV claims that Tesla's marketing and advertising have exaggerated the autonomous capabilities of its vehicles, which are not truly "self-driving" as the company suggests. This, the agency argues, violates California's laws against false or deceptive advertising. The move by the California DMV is part of a broader effort to ensure that autonomous vehicle technology is accurately represented to consumers, who may mistakenly believe that Tesla's systems can operate without human supervision. The suspension, if granted, would be a significant blow to Tesla's sales in its largest U.S. market, underscoring the ongoing regulatory scrutiny of the company's autonomous driving claims.