Story perspectives

Judge Rules Tesla Misled Customers on Autopilot Claims

12/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

A California administrative law judge ruled Tesla misled customers about Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities, risking sanctions.
The Department of Motor Vehicles gave Tesla 90 days to amend its marketing language or face a 30-day suspension.
The judge said advertising created unrealistic expectations about vehicle autonomy, which are SAE Level 2 driver-assistance systems.
Tesla denied the allegations, claiming its marketing was protected speech, and the ruling could affect California operations.

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Story summary

A California administrative law judge ruled Tesla misled customers about Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities, risking sanctions.
The Department of Motor Vehicles gave Tesla 90 days to amend its marketing language or face a 30-day suspension.
The judge said advertising created unrealistic expectations about vehicle autonomy, which are SAE Level 2 driver-assistance systems.
Tesla denied the allegations, claiming its marketing was protected speech, and the ruling could affect California operations.