Tesla avoids suspension by California regulator after corrective marketing changes

Advertisement Business Tesla avoids suspension by California regulator after corrective marketing changes Tesla vehicles are show at a Tesla dealership in Buena Park, California, U.S., January 28, 2026. REUTERS/Mike Blake The Tesla name is shown on the back of a Tesla Model Y at a Tesla dealership in Buena Park, California, U.S., January 28, 2026. REUTERS/Mike Blake 18 Feb 2026 09:46AM Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST Feb 17 : Tesla will avoid a 30-day suspension of its dealer and manufacturer licenses in California after the U.S. electric vehicle maker stopped using the term "autopilot" in marketing of its vehicles in the state, a regulator said on Tuesday.The reprieve from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) comes as Tesla and other EV makers grapple with a plunge in demand following the expiration of key tax credits that had boosted sales. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has switched the company's focus toward robotaxis equipped with self-driving technology, as well as humanoid robots.In 2022, the DMV accused Tesla of misleading consumers by using names "autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) for its advanced driver-assistance features. Subscribe to our Chief Editor’s Week in Review Our chief editor shares analysis and picks of the week's biggest news every Saturday. This service is not intended for persons residing in the E.U. By clicking subscribe, I agree to receive news updates and promotional material from Mediacorp and Mediacorp’s partners. Loading The DMV narrowed its focus last December to the term "autopilot" as Tesla revised its use of the term "Full Self-Driving" to clarify that driver supervision is required.The regulator had deferred an order to suspend Tesla sales in California, its biggest U.S. market, giving the EV maker additional time to address the allegations."Autopilot" enables Tesla vehicles to accelerate, brake and remain within their lanes on highways. "Full Self-Driving" allows vehicles to change lanes and respond to traffic signals on city streets. Source: Reuters Newsletter Week in Review Subscribe to our Chief Editor’s Week in Review Our chief editor shares analysis and picks of the week's biggest news every Saturday. Sign up for our newsletters Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox Subscribe here Get the CNA app Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories Download here Get WhatsApp alerts Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app Join here Advertisement Also worth reading Content is loading... Advertisement Expand to read the full story Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST