Story perspectives

California DMV Clears Tesla After Marketing Language Change

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) decided not to suspend Tesla, Inc.'s dealer and manufacturer licenses after Tesla stopped using the term "Autopilot" in marketing.
The decision resolves a nearly three-year dispute over allegedly misleading advertising about driver-assistance systems, including Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD).
Tesla, Inc. updated its marketing language and discontinued Autopilot in the United States and Canada, shifting focus to the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system.

History

Historical Context

Since its launch in 2014, Tesla's Autopilot has faced scrutiny over misleading marketing, particularly regarding its capabilities. In 2016, the first fatal crash involving Autopilot raised safety concerns, leading to investigations by the NHTSA. By 2023, regulatory pressures prompted Tesla to stop using the term "Autopilot," reflecting ongoing challenges in balancing innovation with consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

1 of 2

Story summary

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) decided not to suspend Tesla, Inc.'s dealer and manufacturer licenses after Tesla stopped using the term "Autopilot" in marketing.
The decision resolves a nearly three-year dispute over allegedly misleading advertising about driver-assistance systems, including Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD).
Tesla, Inc. updated its marketing language and discontinued Autopilot in the United States and Canada, shifting focus to the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system.

1 / 2