Elon Musk Claims Tesla FSD Lets Drivers Text
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently confirmed that the latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) update might allow some drivers to text while the car is moving. While this sounds like a breakthrough in autonomous driving, safety experts and traffic authorities strongly advise against it. Texting behind the wheel remains illegal in 49 states, Washington, DC, and most US territories. The exception? Montana. But even there, it’s hardly a safe move.
Musk’s statement comes amid years of hype surrounding Tesla’s push toward “unsupervised” self-driving. The idea is that one day, drivers could sit back while their car handles everything, including traffic, signals, and navigation. Right now, however, FSD is still a Level 2 system, meaning driver supervision is mandatory.
Level 2 Autonomy: Still Requires Human Eyes
Despite Musk’s claims, Tesla’s FSD v14.2.1 is not full autonomy. Level 2 automation demands that drivers stay alert and keep their hands on the wheel. The car can assist with steering, acceleration, and braking, but it cannot guarantee safety if the driver is distracted. Any attempt to use a phone while driving could lead to accidents, legal consequences, or worse.
Experts stress that Musk’s messaging may confuse some Tesla owners. Encouraging drivers to experiment with texting on the road could have serious repercussions. The technology is impressive but far from a replacement for careful human judgment.
Why Texting While Driving Is Still Dangerous
Even with advanced driver-assist features, multitasking in a moving vehicle is extremely risky. Reaction times slow, situational awareness drops, and accidents become far more likely. Authorities have long warned against distracted driving, citing thousands of yearly injuries and fatalities linked to phone use.
Musk’s comments might seem like a green light for tech enthusiasts eager to test the limits of FSD. However, safety should remain the top priority. Tesla drivers experimenting with texting are not only breaking the law but also putting themselves, passengers, and other road users in serious danger.
The Hype vs. Reality of Tesla’s Self-Driving
For years, Musk has promised fully unsupervised FSD, a system capable of handling traffic without human intervention. Enthusiasts have anticipated this “hands-free, eyes-free” moment eagerly. Yet each new FSD update still requires constant driver attention. The system can assist and predict movements, but it cannot take full responsibility for road safety.
By promoting texting in limited conditions, Musk may be overestimating the system’s capabilities. Tesla’s FSD is evolving, but it is not ready to replace human judgment. Drivers ignoring these warnings could face catastrophic consequences.
Legal Risks of Using FSD for Texting
In nearly every US jurisdiction, texting while driving is illegal. FSD does not provide legal immunity. Should an accident occur, the driver—not the car—remains liable. Tesla’s insurance policies or Musk’s promises do not cover reckless behavior. Lawmakers and regulators are also watching closely, meaning legal trouble could escalate quickly for violators.
For drivers who rely on FSD, understanding these boundaries is crucial. Treating FSD as a “get out of jail free” card is both dangerous and unlawful.
Safety Experts Urge Caution
Road safety experts urge Tesla owners to treat FSD as a high-tech assistant, not a replacement for attention. While hands-free features can reduce fatigue and assist in complex traffic, they do not eliminate risk. Responsible use includes keeping your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and phone out of reach.
Ignoring these precautions could turn a technological marvel into a deadly experiment. Even Tesla’s marketing materials stress supervision, yet Musk’s public statements risk undermining this message.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Text While Driving
Tesla’s FSD represents one of the most advanced driver-assist systems on the market. It can make commuting safer, reduce driver fatigue, and even help prevent some collisions. But despite Musk’s claims, texting while driving—even with FSD—is reckless and illegal in most regions.
Drivers should remain vigilant, keep their hands on the wheel, and avoid distractions. Until full autonomy truly arrives, there is no substitute for responsible driving. Your safety—and the lives of everyone around you—depends on it.
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