Tesla has recently announced that it will no longer be deploying Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta software to new buyers or subscribers due to a recent recall by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada. This decision was made after the two regulatory bodies published recall notices covering over 380,000 Tesla cars in the US and Canada, citing four scenarios where the “operational characteristics” of FSD Beta could potentially infringe upon local traffic laws.
According to the NHTSA recall notice, the fix for these issues is a software update, but there is currently no timeline for its release. In response, Tesla has paused the rollout of FSD Beta to all those who have opted in but have not yet received a software version containing FSD Beta until the software update containing the fix is made available.
See also: Tesla FSD Beta V11.3 Release Notes
Existing testers are also advised to continue using FSD Beta with caution, as it is still a SAE Level 2 driver support feature, and the user is still responsible for the operation of the vehicle. Tesla reminds users that if they are not paying attention, the software could break some local traffic laws.
The four scenarios identified in the recall notice include traveling or turning through certain intersections during a stale yellow traffic light, adjusting vehicle speed while traveling through certain variable speed zones, negotiating a lane change out of certain turn-only lanes to continue traveling straight, and the perceived duration of the vehicle’s static position at certain intersections with a stop sign, particularly when the intersection is clear of any other road users.
See also: Tesla Initiates Recall of 362,758 EVs With FSD Beta, Fixed Through OTA Update
Existing testers need not worry, as the software update will be pushed to their vehicles automatically when it becomes available, and the software will not be removed from their cars while the update is being developed. As always, safety remains a top priority for Tesla, and the company will continue to work diligently to ensure that its products meet and exceed all safety standards.
