Why Tesla Refrains from Pushing for the Legal Changes Needed for Level 5 Autonomous Driving

Tesla is often criticized for not pushing hard enough to change the laws so that the public can utilize their Level 5 autonomous driving software. However, it’s important to understand the current status of Tesla’s technology and the regulatory hurdles they face.

Tesla’s Current Status and Demonstrations

Tesla has not yet demonstrated anything even remotely close to Level 5 or even Level 4 autonomous driving technology. The 2016 announcement of the Tesla Vision system, which included an 8-camera system, was intended to pave the way for more advanced autonomous capabilities. Despite this, Tesla has failed to deliver on the promised coast-to-coast demonstration run by the end of 2016. As of today, the company has yet to provide concrete evidence of Level 5 autonomous driving technology. This absence of tangible demonstration indicates that Tesla is not yet ready for such a deployment.

The Role of Waymo

Waymo, on the other hand, has made significant strides in autonomous driving. In the Phoenix area, they operate a commercial taxi service, demonstrating that Level 5 autonomous driving is not merely theoretical. Additionally, Waymo has been granted a license to operate in California, and their vehicles are now available on Lyft’s app.

Existing Legal Framework

The laws to implement fully autonomous vehicles already exist in several states. For instance, Florida recently passed legislation allowing for fully autonomous vehicles. However, the primary hurdle is obtaining approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The existing legal framework requires manufacturers to show that the autonomous system meets federal motor vehicle safety standards, including robustness in the system design and human-vehicle interface.

Even if a state passes legislation allowing for autonomous vehicles, it does not guarantee that the technology is safe enough for public use. The NHTSA approval process is stringent and aims to ensure that the technology is reliable and safe for all drivers.

Case Studies: California and Florida

While some states, like California and Florida, have laws allowing manufacturers to operate autonomous vehicles, they still need to gain NHTSA approval to sell such features to consumers. In California, for example, companies like Waymo can operate autonomous vehicles, but they must still comply with federal safety standards. This means that just having the right local laws is not sufficient; manufacturers must also pass rigorous federal tests.

In Florida, a similar scenario applies. While legislation allows for partially autonomous driving, it does not automatically translate to commercial use without additional approvals. This underscores the complexity of the legal landscape and the necessity for a comprehensive regulatory framework.

Conclusion

Tesla’s lack of push for legal changes is not due to a lack of effort or unwillingness to comply with laws. It is a reflection of the current technological limitations and the rigorous standards that must be met for autonomous driving. Until Tesla can demonstrate robust and reliable Level 5 autonomous driving technology, pushing for changes in the law would be premature. Tesla and other manufacturers are actively working towards this goal but must navigate both technological and regulatory challenges.