A device which fools the autopilot system in Tesla vehicles into thinking drivers’ hands are still on the wheel was banned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this week.
The device is made specifically for Tesla vehicles with the goal of disabling a critical safety feature. The producing company refers to the device as a “Tesla autopilot nag reduction device,” but its primary function is to disable the system that monitors and protests when drivers’ hands are not detected on the wheel.
“A product intended to circumvent motor vehicle safety and driver attentiveness is unacceptable,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King said. “By preventing the safety system from warning the driver to return their hands to the wheel, this product disables an important safeguard, and could put customers and other road users at risk.”
Such aftermarket devices are regulated by the NHTSA, which has expressed serious concerns over drivers giving sole control of their vehicles to any autopilot system, in the wake of several high profile accidents. As a result, the NHTSA demanded an end to all marketing, sales, and distribution of the $199 plastic devices, and to certify that such has been achieved by June 29.