Tesla Driver Assistance Mode Under Scrutiny: US Agency Investigation
NHTSA Investigates Tesla’s ”Mad Max” Driver Assistance Mode
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Concerns Over Speed and safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Management (NHTSA) is seeking facts from Tesla regarding a new driver assistance mode informally dubbed “Mad Max.” According to reports on social media, this mode allows Tesla vehicles using the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to operate at speeds exceeding posted limits.
NHTSA confirmed it is ”in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information” regarding the mode, but reiterated that the driver remains fully responsible for adhering to all traffic laws. This inquiry comes as NHTSA continues to emphasize driver responsibility even with advanced driver-assistance systems engaged.
Ongoing Investigation into FSD System
This inquiry builds upon an existing investigation, opened earlier in October 2024, into 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the FSD system.The initial investigation was prompted by dozens of reports of traffic-safety violations and crashes, including 58 reports of issues, 14 crashes, and 23 injuries as reported by NHTSA.
NHTSA has specifically reviewed six reports where Tesla vehicles with FSD engaged proceeded through red lights, resulting in collisions with other vehicles.
Tesla’s Response and System Description
Tesla did not promptly respond to requests for comment. However, the company recently reposted a social media description of “Mad Max” mode, characterizing it as accelerating and weaving through traffic “at an astonishing pace, all while still being super smooth,” and likening the driving experience to a sports car.
Tesla maintains that FSD is an assistance system requiring active driver supervision and intervention, and does not constitute a fully self-driving capability.The company states FSD “will drive you almost anywhere with your active supervision, requiring minimal intervention.”
Previous Investigations
NHTSA has been investigating Tesla’s FSD system for over a year. In October 2023, the agency initiated another investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles with FSD following four collisions that occurred in conditions of reduced visibility according to Reuters.
The Washington post previously reported on NHTSA’s interest in the ”Mad Max” mode.