California Judge Rules Tesla Misled Consumers About Autopilot Features

Dec 17, 2025

A California administrative law judge has ruled that Tesla misled customers about the capabilities of its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features. The decision followed allegations that Tesla gave the false impression that its cars could drive themselves.

The judge decided that Tesla's advertising was deceptive and ordered the company to change how it markets these features in California. Tesla now has 90 days to update its advertising language. If the company does not comply, it could face a 30-day suspension from selling vehicles in California.

For now, California regulators are allowing Tesla to continue selling cars in the state while the company works to make the required changes. This ruling is the result of a case brought forward by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Why did the judge rule against Tesla?

The judge found that Tesla's marketing gave customers the false impression that its cars could fully drive themselves, which was considered deceptive.

What does Tesla need to do now?

Tesla must update its advertising language and stop implying that its cars are fully autonomous. They have 90 days to make these changes.

Can Tesla still sell cars in California?

Yes, Tesla can keep selling cars for now. However, if it doesn't change its advertising in 90 days, it may face a temporary suspension from selling vehicles in California.

Sources
A California judge rules that Tesla misled consumers on how autonomous its cars...
Business Insider
Tesla has 90 days to amend its advertising language or face a 30-day suspension from selling in California, Steve Gordon, the Director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, said in a media briefing on Tuesday. On November 21, Administrative Judge Juliet E.
California regulator allows Tesla to continue sales in state for now
Reuters
A California regulator allowed Tesla to continue selling vehicles in the state for now, the latest move in a case in which the electric vehicle maker had been accused of falsely marketing and overstating self-driving capabilities.
California judge rules that Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing around Autopilo...
CNBC
An administration law judge in California ruled recently that Tesla's license to sell or manufacture cars in the state should be suspended for up to 30 days. The judge determined that the electric vehicle company had engaged in deceptive marketing around Autopilot.
California Gives Tesla 90 Days to Change Autopilot Advertising
WSJ
An administrative judge found that the automaker deceived consumers by falsely implying its cars could drive on their own.
Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing for Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, judge...
TechCrunch
An administrative law judge has ruled that Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing that gave customers a false impression of the capabilities of its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving driver assistance software. This is a pivotal development in a years-long case initiated by California's Department of Mot...
Tesla Faces Possible California Sales Suspension. Why Investors Aren't Concerned...
Investors Business Daily
California could suspend Tesla EV sales over misleading Autopilot marketing, but investors aren't worried. Tesla stock hit a new high Tuesday.
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