by Tesla’s Potential False Claims on Autopilot Featuressparked a criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. That means it could bring criminal charges against Tesla or individual executives. For its Full Self-Driving feature, Tesla advertises that it allows drivers to keep their hands off the steering wheel, but warns customers on its website that they must keep their hands on the steering wheel to maintain control of the car. Federal and California safety regulators are examining whether Tesla’s hype about its self-driving features has given customers a false sense of safety, viewing it as a fully autonomous vehicle that could be complacent and potentially tragic. Prosecutors at the U.S. Justice Department are investigating whether Tesla misled consumers, investors and regulators. They may or may not file formal charges.
