The most exciting new feature for Tesla owners is its autopilot. Nimble enough to keep the car within its lane and intelligent enough to sense other drivers, the recent update to Tesla's software gives customers a first, early taste of what driverless driving feels like. But the Tesla evidently isn't smart enough to outwit speed traps — yet.
In a test-drive showing off the autopilot control, Drag Times took the latest Tesla software for a spin. On a stretch of Interstate 95, however, the driver -- with autopilot fully engaged -- got pulled over for doing 75 mph in a 60 mph zone. Oops.
According to the driver, the cops ultimately decided against giving the human a speeding ticket, but they did write him up for not having his insurance. The penalty? $10.
It's not exactly clear why the driver was not given a speeding ticket -- the video below does not include the interaction with the police officer.
But Autopilot mode is unlikely to be a valid argument to avoid speeding tickets. Indeed, it's pretty likely that the driver set the speed of the car over the 60 mph limit -- since the technology is essentially a highly advanced cruise control mechanism. (Tesla says its cars even read street signs and warn drivers when they are speeding.)
So while this driver may have gotten away with one, using the "my-car-was-in-Autopilot-mode" argument is unlikely to stand up in traffic court. As Tesla has made clear, the driver is solely responsible for the way the car behaves, even if it is driving itself.
(Skip ahead to 12:40 below to see the ticket.)
