Tesla drops 'Autopilot' branding to keep selling cars in California

Tesla agreed to remove the term "Autopilot" from its California marketing, a move that lets the company continue selling and producing cars in the state and avoids a 30-day suspension of its dealer and manufacturer licenses. California had argued the branding implied drivers could rely exclusively on the technology.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles said Tesla took the required corrective action following a December administrative ruling that found the company's marketing of driver-assistance features misleading. An administrative law judge in November 2025 concluded the use of "Autopilot" violated state law and recommended suspending licenses if the branding continued; the DMV adopted those findings but stayed the suspension and gave Tesla 60 days to comply.

The decision effectively ends a three-year legal fight with state regulators. California is Tesla's largest US sales market and is home to two of the carmaker's manufacturing hubs.

United States, California

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