US Auto Safety Regulators Ask Tesla about In-Car Cameras

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Tesla's in-car camera systems, which assess driver attentiveness behind the wheel, as part of an investigation into automated driving technologies.

The NHTSA has approached Tesla with questions related to driver attentiveness technology. It has asked Tesla to describe the role the cabin camera plays in ensuring driver engagement and to explain the design decisions regarding the automated systems, including the Autopilot feature.

The investigation was launched after a series of accidents involving Tesla electric vehicles that allegedly used active driver assistance systems, such as Autopilot and Full Self Driving systems, which received a large number of complaints about failures.

The NHTSA has also asked for “evidence that justifies the period of time that the driver is permitted to have their hands off the steering wheel before receiving a warning,” and what criteria is used to determine it.

The agency has given the tesla until 19 September to respond.