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- Feb 17, 202690% CONFIDENCEfrom the source
Tesla Drops 'Autopilot' in California and Avoids a DMV Sales Suspension
- The California DMV announced on 17 February 2026 that Tesla had stopped using 'Autopilot' in the marketing of its vehicles in California, so its dealer and manufacturer licences would not be suspended for 30 days[1]
- Tesla had earlier renamed 'Full Self-Driving Capability' to 'Full Self-Driving (Supervised)' to make clear a driver must supervise it[1]
- The DMV's December 2025 decision had given Tesla 60 days to act; Electrek put the deadline at 14 February[3][5]
- In January Tesla dropped Autopilot as a standalone product in the US and Canada and moved FSD to a $99-a-month subscription, ending the $8,000 one-time purchase[3][4]
- 'California has zero tolerance for misleading advertising that puts safety at risk,' the DMV said, and Director Steve Gordon said the department was pleased Tesla complied[1]
- Tesla had nonetheless filed a court complaint dated 13 February asking to erase the 'false advertiser' finding, which became public on 23 February[2][3]
References 587% CONFIDENCEOverall confidence: 87%How well the pin's source and references back up its dates.Weighted average of how firmly 5 references, the source included, support the pin's start and end times; a reference counts half as much for every 180 days older than the newestShow all pins at 75% confidence or better
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- [1]90%dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/tesla-takes-corrective-action-to-avoid-dmv-suspensiondmv.ca.gov· Posted Sep 28, 2026· Starts Feb 17, 2026 ✓· 38% of score
DMV release dated February 17, 2026: 'Tesla successfully took the required action to stop using the term "Autopilot" in the marketing of its vehicles in California'.
- [2]85%Tesla sues California DMV to reverse ruling that company engaged in false advertising on FSDcnbc.com· Published Feb 23, 2026· 17% of score
Says that by 17 February the DMV had found Tesla's changes appropriate and no suspension was needed, and that Tesla now sells Full Self-Driving (Supervised) only by subscription; also reports Tesla's suit against the DMV, dated 13 February.[1]
- [3]75%Tesla sues California DMV to reverse 'Full Self-Driving' false advertising rulingelectrek.co· Published Feb 23, 2026· 17% of score
Says Tesla ended Autopilot as a standalone product in January, added '(Supervised)' to Full Self-Driving and moved FSD to a $99-a-month subscription, ending the $8,000 one-time purchase; the compliance deadline was 14 February.[1]
- [4]85%Tesla avoids 30-day California sales suspension after dropping misleading 'Autopilot' marketingelectrek.co· Published Feb 18, 2026· 16% of score
Reports the DMV's confirmation that Tesla complied, and that in January Tesla discontinued Autopilot as a standalone product in the US and Canada.[1]
- [5]95%DMV Finds Tesla Violated California State Lawdmv.ca.gov· Published Dec 16, 2025· 13% of score
The December decision this release closes out: 60 days for Tesla to act on 'autopilot' or face a 30-day dealer-licence suspension, with the manufacturer suspension permanently stayed.[1]
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