On the heels of multiple crashes and a federal investigation, a state law bars the company from calling their software Full Self-Driving to avoid misleading consumers about the need for driver assistance.
California law now bans Tesla from describing their software as Full Self-Driving (FSD), citing concerns that the term could mislead consumers, reports Marco Marcelline for PC Mag.
The law, sponsored by Democratic State Sen. Lena Gonzalez, bans California car dealers and manufacturers from 'deceptively naming or marketing' a car as self-driving if equipped with partial autonomous features that still require humans to pay attention and handle the driving.
While Tesla’s website states that its features “require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous,” critics have long accused the company and its founder, Elon Musk, of misleading buyers and putting people in danger through their marketing language. According to Marcelline, “Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated two more special crash investigations into Tesla accidents where FSD is alleged to have been a factor in the crash.” The NHTSA is also investigating General Motors subsidiary Cruise.
FULL STORY: California Bans Tesla From Calling Software 'Full Self-Driving'
NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Tesla’s Autonomous System
The agency will probe the “Full Self-Driving” system in the wake of crashes that include a pedestrian death.
Tesla ‘Nearly Crashes’ in Full Self-Driving Mode
A test of Tesla’s autonomous mode showed troubling permissiveness, according to one analyst.
Majority of American Drivers ‘Afraid’ of ‘Self-Driving’ Cars
Responses to a AAA survey indicate a rising fear of automated vehicles in the wake of high-profile crashes and federal investigations.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service