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Tesla drops 'Autopilot' in California to comply with ruling
The automaker will discontinue use of the term in marketing its vehicles in the state.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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Tesla will stop using the term 'Autopilot' in marketing its vehicles in California, the state's Department of Motor Vehicles announced. This comes after a judge ruled in December that the company was using deceptive wording in its marketing of the cars in California and recommended a suspension of sales and manufacturing in the state. Tesla has now changed its driver-assistance plan, discontinuing the former Autopilot mode and requiring owners to pay for an FSD Supervised subscription.
Why it matters
The ruling highlights ongoing concerns about the marketing and capabilities of Tesla's driver-assistance systems, which have faced scrutiny over safety issues. California is Tesla's biggest market, accounting for about 30% of its sales, so the change in terminology could have a significant impact on the company's operations in the state.
The details
In December, a California judge ruled that Tesla was using deceptive wording in its marketing of the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features, which the state's DMV argued mislead customers about the abilities of the driver-assistance systems. The DMV gave Tesla 60 days to change its wording, and the company has now discontinued the Autopilot term, instead requiring owners to pay for an FSD Supervised subscription.
- In December 2025, a California judge ruled that Tesla was using deceptive wording in its marketing.
- The DMV gave Tesla 60 days to change its wording.
- On February 18, 2026, the DMV announced that Tesla had taken corrective action and stopped using the 'Autopilot' term in California.
The players
California Department of Motor Vehicles
The state agency that oversees vehicle registrations and driver's licenses, and which ruled that Tesla was using deceptive marketing terms.
Tesla
The electric vehicle manufacturer that will discontinue use of the 'Autopilot' term in California to comply with the state's ruling.
What’s next
The DMV stated that by taking the corrective action, Tesla will avoid having its dealer and manufacturer licenses suspended in California for 30 days.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing regulatory scrutiny over the marketing and capabilities of Tesla's driver-assistance technologies, as states like California seek to ensure consumers are not misled about the limitations of these systems.
