Tesla to stop using 'autopilot' term in California to avoid suspension

The concession resolves a long-running battle between the automaker and the state over claims of deceptive marketing.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Tesla has agreed to stop using the term 'autopilot' to describe its electric vehicles in California in order to avoid a 30-day suspension by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The move resolves a long-running dispute between the automaker and California over claims that Tesla oversold its cars' capabilities and deceived consumers into thinking the vehicles would operate autonomously.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights ongoing concerns about how autonomous driving technologies are marketed to consumers, with regulators seeking to ensure that automakers do not overstate the capabilities of their systems. Tesla's use of terms like 'autopilot' and 'full self-driving' has been a point of contention, as the company's advanced driver assistance features still require human oversight.

The details

In 2023, the California DMV filed accusations against Tesla, citing materials on the company's website that referred to an 'autopilot' product and a 'full self-driving capability.' Tesla later amended the language to 'full self-driving (supervised)' to clarify that a human driver is required. The DMV director gave Tesla 90 days to rectify the situation or face a 30-day suspension of its vehicle sales. Tesla has now agreed to stop using the 'autopilot' term to remain in compliance with California's consumer protection laws.

  • In May 2021, Tesla was accused of breaching legal and ethical lines in promoting its new driving technology.
  • In December 2023, the DMV director gave Tesla 90 days to rectify the situation or face a 30-day suspension of its vehicle sales.
  • On Tuesday, the DMV expressed satisfaction that Tesla had taken the required action to remain in compliance.

The players

Tesla

An American electric vehicle manufacturer that has faced scrutiny over its marketing of autonomous driving features.

California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The state agency that filed accusations against Tesla and threatened a 30-day suspension of the company's vehicle sales.

Steve Gordon

The director of the California DMV who gave Tesla 90 days to rectify the situation or face the suspension.

Juliet Cox

An administrative law judge who previously ruled that Tesla's persistent use of the 'autopilot' term violated state law.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating the marketing of autonomous driving technologies, as automakers seek to promote the capabilities of their systems while also ensuring that consumers understand the limitations. The resolution in California may set a precedent for how other states approach this issue.