**Introduction**
Tesla is currently under scrutiny from US regulators regarding its Autopilot system, with a deadline of July 1 looming for the company to provide information about its biggest-ever recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is particularly concerned about the number of crashes occurring with drivers using Autopilot and wants to know more about the mileage consumers are racking up with the system. Failure to comply with the information request could result in significant penalties for Tesla.
**NHTSA Pressures Tesla for Information**
In a letter posted on its website, NHTSA has pressed Tesla for details about the usage of its driver-assistance system, particularly in relation to the number of times drivers have been warned to put their hands on the wheel before and after the company’s December recall. The agency has opened a query to investigate whether Tesla’s software update after the recall has effectively prevented misuse, following 20 more crashes reported in the months following the recall.
**Penalties for Non-Compliance**
If Tesla does not promptly and fully respond to NHTSA’s information request, the company could face penalties of up to $27,168 per violation per day, with a maximum fine exceeding $135 million. These penalties underscore the seriousness with which regulators are approaching the investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot system and its safety implications.
**NHTSA’s Examination of Autopilot**
NHTSA’s examination of Autopilot dates back to August 2021 when the agency initiated a defect investigation in response to Teslas crashing into first-responder vehicles. The agency raised concerns about Tesla’s methods for keeping drivers engaged with the system, noting a “critical safety gap” between drivers’ expectations and Autopilot’s capabilities. This led to the opening of a recall query in order to address these safety concerns more comprehensively.
**Wider Regulatory Scrutiny**
In addition to NHTSA’s investigation, Tesla is also under scrutiny from other regulatory bodies. The Justice Department has requested documents related to Autopilot, while the Securities and Exchange Commission is reportedly investigating CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in shaping Tesla’s self-driving claims. This broader regulatory scrutiny indicates the seriousness of the allegations and the potential consequences for Tesla and its leadership.
**Conclusion**
Tesla’s Autopilot system is at the center of a regulatory storm, with NHTSA’s deadline for information looming and the potential for significant penalties if the company fails to comply. The safety implications of the system, as evidenced by the number of crashes reported, are driving increased scrutiny from regulators, signaling a challenging road ahead for Tesla and its leadership. Moving forward, it will be crucial for Tesla to address these concerns effectively and transparently to ensure the safety of drivers using its Autopilot system.