Tesla Grants FSD Beta Access to All North American Requesters
Tesla now offers its Full Self-Driving beta to any North American driver who requests it, dropping previous safety score requirements. This broad release occurs as the company faces ongoing criminal and regulatory scrutiny over its automated driving features.
Tesla extends its Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta software to anyone in North America who requests it through their car screen, dropping previous requirements for a high safety score and 100 Autopilot miles. This $15,000 add-on builds on the standard Autopilot system by offering assisted steering on city streets, automatic parking, and traffic light recognition. The widespread rollout fulfills CEO Elon Musk's promise to put FSD in every eligible Tesla by the end of 2022.
This massive expansion of FSD access raises significant safety concerns among regulators and experts who worry that drivers become less attentive when using advanced driver assistance systems. The release directly contradicts the tightening scrutiny Tesla faces, including a potential criminal investigation from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding false claims about Autopilot's capabilities. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration actively investigates 36 Tesla crashes involving Autopilot, including five fatal incidents this year alone.
Despite the controversy and accusations of false advertising from California's Department of Motor Vehicles, Tesla proceeds with making the software available to all paying customers. While Tesla's official website still urges drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, the removal of safety benchmarks allows any user to activate the complex system. Musk continues to assert that true full self-driving is imminent, although he recently admitted the software will not secure regulatory approval by year's end.