Tesla owners in Germany are receiving warning letters from the Federal Motor Authority over the use of the Autopilot function in their cars, calling for drivers to not use the feature as an excuse to ride unalert.
Der Spiegel released an internal report from Germany’s Transport Ministry that called the feature a “considerable traffic hazard”, and the letters sent out reflect that view as drivers are being told that the law requires them to be alert and in control at all times.
That is not to say that Tesla’s Autopilot is off limits though. In its letter, the Federal Motor Authority said that the feature can be used, but only as a driver assist system — a stance that Tesla loosely suggests as well.