Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Claims
Elon Musk’s social media activity is once again drawing attention to Tesla, as regulators scrutinize the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has requested more information from Tesla concerning Musk’s posts that suggest drivers can engage in activities like texting and making espresso while using FSD.
In a detailed request for information sent on July 2, the NHTSA sought clarification on posts from Musk and Tesla’s accounts. These posts include a claim from December 2025 that FSD users could “text and drive” based on surrounding traffic conditions. Another highlighted post features Musk’s statement: “This is so cool. Make your espresso on the road while your Tesla drives itself,” responding to a video of a Tesla owner making espresso with FSD engaged.
The NHTSA’s inquiry also references Musk’s assertions that FSD can “operate in all conditions” and that upcoming updates will “substantially reduce” the need for driver attention. The regulatory body is asking Tesla to verify the accuracy of these claims and to explain measures taken to prevent potential “misunderstanding or misuse” of FSD technology.
Tesla’s owner manuals and website emphasize that drivers should remain attentive and ready to take control at any moment while using FSD. However, this isn’t Tesla’s first encounter with legal challenges regarding its promotion of FSD. Previously, the company was ordered to pay $242 million in damages over a lawsuit that claimed Tesla exaggerated the capabilities of its Autopilot system.
Additionally, Tesla avoided a sales ban in California by reaching a settlement after a judge found its “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” branding misleading. The ongoing NHTSA investigation, which began in October 2024 and was upgraded to an engineering analysis in March, is examining FSD’s performance in low-visibility conditions due to reports of accidents involving Tesla vehicles.
As of now, Tesla has not responded to requests for comment regarding the latest regulatory developments.
