Tesla drops 'Autopilot' ads to ensure it can sell cars in California

Tesla agreed to stop using the term \

Tesla agreed to stop using the term "Autopilot" in advertisements for its cars that appear in California to avoid potential suspension that would have prohibited the company from selling cars in the nation's most populous state - which is also home to the United States' biggest electric car market.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles said Feb. 17 that Tesla has followed a directive to stop using the term "Autopilot" in the marketing of its cars in the state. The Silicon Valley electric carmaker was at risk of having its California dealer and manufacturer licenses, which are required for it to sell cars in the state, suspended for 30 days under a December 2025 ruling by the agency.

The California DMV said Tesla had already modified its use of the term "Full Self-Driving" to make clear that supervision by a human driver is still required to operate cars with the system.

California DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a statement his department "is pleased that Tesla took the required action to remain in compliance with the State of California’s consumer protections.”

Tesla did not respond to a request for comment.