The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has requested information from Tesla regarding a new driver assistance mode dubbed 'Mad Max', which allows vehicles to operate at higher speeds than other versions of its full self-driving (FSD) system. The investigation follows reports from drivers on social media of Tesla vehicles exceeding speed limits.
One YouTuber described the experience: 'We are going 75 in a 50, I feel like we are racing down the street right now.' The NHTSA stated it is in contact with Tesla to gather additional information, emphasising that the driver remains fully responsible for complying with traffic laws.
Earlier this month, the NHTSA opened a broader investigation into 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD, citing 58 reports of traffic safety violations, including 14 crashes and 23 injuries. The agency noted that FSD has 'induced vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws', with six reports of vehicles running red lights and colliding with other cars.
Tesla has not commented directly but reposted a social media post describing Mad Max mode as accelerating and weaving 'through traffic at an incredible pace, all while still being super smooth'. The company maintains that FSD requires active driver supervision and does not make the car fully autonomous.
Autonomous driving is central to Tesla's business strategy, with CEO Elon Musk emphasising its importance after a third-quarter report showing record sales but a 37% drop in profits. The NHTSA investigation adds to regulatory scrutiny of Tesla, including a previous probe into 2.4 million vehicles with FSD after collisions in low visibility conditions.
