San Francisco Transportation Authority Questions Tesla's FSD Features

JAKARTA - The San Francisco transportation authority on Thursday, September 23, raised concerns about the safety record of Tesla's advanced driver assistant system. This comes as the electric car maker prepares for a wide release of a test version of the software that works on city streets and highways.

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) also disputed the use of the term "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) system, saying it was an advanced driver assistance program, not an autonomous vehicle system.

Tilly Chang, Executive Director of the SFCTA, said in a statement to Reuters that human drivers should "continue to monitor" Tesla's FSD system.

"We are concerned about the security record of this service and the name of the service as it may confuse consumers, and hope that the DMV, FTC and NHTSA continue to monitor and analyze this matter to protect consumers and the traveling public," Chang said.

This authority manages funding for transit and highway projects in San Francisco. A number of Tesla accidents are currently under federal investigation. The results of the initial investigation, have increased scrutiny of this regulation.

On Monday, September 20, California's state regulator said: "Based on information Tesla provided to the DMV, this feature does not make the vehicle an autonomous vehicle under California regulations."

The California Department of Motor Vehicles reiterates that it is reviewing Tesla's use of the term 'Full Self-Driving' in the application of the technology.

Tesla did not want to comment on the statement. Last week, Chief Executive Elon Musk said Tesla drivers would be able to request a "beta" version of the "Full Self-Driving (FSD)" software starting Friday. Those rated "good drivers" by Tesla's insurance calculator will be able to use the system.

Tesla sparked controversy by testing the unfinished technology on 2,000 people since October on public roads. While Musk said there have been no accidents with beta users so far.

"The FSD beta system can sometimes seem so good that vigilance isn't necessary, but it is. Besides, any beta users who aren't too careful will get booted," Musk tweeted.

Beta offers features that allow vehicles to navigate and change lanes on city streets and allow for left and right turns.

Tesla says the FSD beta "might do the wrong thing at the worst of times, so you should always keep the wheel." This is also what makes the Transportation Authority in San Francisco refuse to call Tesla's FSD an autonomous car technology.