A significant regulatory case where the California Department of Motor Vehicles has sued Tesla for allegedly using misleading and dishonest brand names for their Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems.

Case Details

The California DMV filed this lawsuit claiming that Tesla’s use of terms like “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” misleads consumers about the actual capabilities of these systems. The DMV argues that these names suggest the vehicles can operate autonomously when they actually require constant driver supervision.

Key Issues

Misleading marketing and branding practices
Consumer protection concerns
False advertising allegations
Regulatory compliance with automotive marketing standards
Public safety implications of misleading product names

Current Status

The case is pending with a verdict expected on November 26, 2025.

Significance

This case could set important precedent for how automotive companies market semi-autonomous driving features and may force Tesla to change how it brands and describes its driver assistance systems. The outcome could impact consumer understanding and expectations of current autonomous driving technology.