A California judge ruled that the American electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla should face a 30-day suspension for each of its vehicle sales and manufacturing licenses in the state. This decision follows a 2022 accusation by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that Tesla engaged in false advertising regarding its autopilot and full self-driving (FSD) modes.

DMV director Steve Gordon announced at a press conference on 16/12 that his agency approved the judge's ruling, but with a modified penalty. Tesla will be given an opportunity to rectify any deceptive or misleading claims concerning its autopilot and FSD systems. If the marketing issues are not resolved within 60 days, the DMV will proceed with a 30-day suspension of Tesla's vehicle sales license in the state. However, Gordon stated that the DMV will temporarily defer the judge's order to suspend Tesla's manufacturing license, ensuring production operations at the California factory remain uninterrupted.

The autopilot mode assists Tesla vehicles with acceleration, braking, and lane-keeping on highways. The FSD mode enables vehicles to change lanes autonomously and obey traffic signals on city streets.

Autonomous driving technology assists drivers in Tesla vehicles. Photo: Tesla

In 2022, the DMV asserted that Tesla's marketing of its autopilot and FSD systems suggested vehicles could operate autonomously. However, these systems still require an attentive driver behind the wheel, ready to take control or brake at any moment.

Subsequently, Tesla renamed its advanced driver-assistance option to "full self-driving (supervised)". While the DMV did not cite consumer complaints in its allegations, Tesla is currently facing a class-action lawsuit in the Northern California District Court from drivers who claim the company misled them for years about the autonomous capabilities of Tesla electric vehicles.

My Anh (according to CNBC, Reuters)