Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated on Thursday that drivers can use their phones while operating a vehicle with the newest version of the company’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) driver-assistance software. The remark, made on X, pointed to the system allowing texting “depending on context of surrounding traffic,” according to the original post.
The update reportedly removes a previous warning that flashed when drivers used their phones behind the wheel. Musk made the comment in response to a user who observed that the system no longer issued alerts when phone usage took place during driving. Tesla, which does not operate a public relations department, has not provided additional details, and Musk did not answer questions sent by email.
Texting while driving is prohibited in nearly every U.S. state, and many have expanded the restriction to all handheld phone use, according to federal transportation data. The apparent change in Tesla’s software has prompted renewed attention to the safety implications of growing driver-assistance capabilities.
Full Self-Driving remains a driver-assistance system rather than fully autonomous technology. Earlier versions required hands to remain on the steering wheel, though the requirement was later relaxed as long as the in-cabin camera detected that the driver was watching the road. The software still relies on driver intervention when it encounters challenging conditions.
See also: Tesla Offers 30-Day Free Trial of Full Self-Driving to HW4 Owners
Safety advocates have long warned that driver-assistance systems can lead to overreliance and reduced attention. Musk has previously acknowledged that Autopilot has sometimes encouraged excessive confidence, and regulators have linked the system to more than a dozen fatal crashes when active. The latest change to FSD supervision appears likely to intensify scrutiny from lawmakers and transportation authorities.
Source: TechCrunch