Tesla’s new “Mad Max” mode for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which allows for more aggressive driving and higher speeds, is facing federal scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The NHTSA is investigating the mode due to safety concerns, especially after reports of it violating speed limits and its launch amid existing investigations and a wrongful death lawsuit related to Tesla’s FSD system. The mode prioritizes speed and frequent lane changes, and aggressive acceleration, compared to other FSD profiles which include the new “Sloth” mode. It is intended to make driving feel more human-like, but critics argue it promotes risky behavior.
The mode has been linked to reports of vehicles exceeding speed limits and making risky maneuvers, leading to the federal investigation. NHTSA has stressed that the human driver remains legally responsible at all times.