Germany Calls Tesla's Full Self-Driving Name “Misleading”

Germany’s Ministry of Transport says Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) name is “somewhat misleading” because the system does not take over the complete driving task. The ministry describes it as a driver assistance system that can support acceleration, braking and steering, while requiring the driver to remain attentive at all times.

According to TechRadar, Transport Minister Steffen Bilger is pushing to legalize the technology in Germany. The ministry says Tesla has offered to rename it “Tesla Assisted Driving” in Germany; the article says the change could reach other markets in the future.

The ministry also says the system may travel at speeds 10% above local limits to smooth traffic flow. The report says this has raised concerns in other European countries. It adds that eight European countries have approved the system, with a wider European Union rollout expected in 2027.

Tesla’s website says the current features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous. The report says company messaging has also suggested the technology could become “fully autonomous” through over-the-air updates. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has several investigations underway into safety concerns involving FSD.