Tesla will ban you from Full Self-Driving beta for two weeks for inattentiveness

Tesla’s latest software update enacts bans for improper use of the brand’s Full Self-Driving beta (FSDb) semi-autonomous driving system.

The bans will last two weeks for inattentive use of the system, which Tesla defines as five ‘Forced Autopilot Disengagements’. A disengagement of Autopilot follows a host of visual and audible cues for the driver to take control of the vehicle again.

Tesla’s latest stance on improper use of autopilot is likely a reaction to recent high profile incidents, including a Model S causing an eight-car pile-up on the San Francisco Bay Bridge, and California’s banning of “Full Self-Driving” marketing terminology.

The most recent 2022.44.30.5 patch note reads:

“Full Self-Driving (Beta) Suspension – For maximum safety and accountability, use of Full Self-Driving (Beta) will be suspended if improper usage is detected.

"Improper usage is when you, or another driver of your vehicle, receive five ‘Forced Autopilot Disengagements.’ A disengagement is when the Autopilot system disengages for the remainder of a trip after the driver receives several audio and visual warnings for inattentiveness.

"Driver-initiated disengagements do not count as improper usage and are expected from the driver. Keep your hands on the wheel and remain attentive at all times. Use of any hand-held devices while using Autopilot is not allowed.

"The FSD Beta feature can only be removed per this suspension method and it will be unavailable for approximately two weeks.”

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The choice to enact a two-week ban from FSDb is actually more lenient than Tesla’s previous policy that was able to lock drivers out of the functions of the program indefinitely – pretty harsh when you’ve paid US$15,000 for the package.

In Australia, Tesla does offer a Full Self-Driving package ($10,100) above regular enhanced Autopilot ($5100), though it differs from FSDb offered in the US as it does not include automatic turning in city streets.

This may change imminently, but as it stands there are myriad laws in Australia that render self-driving functionality illegal.

And even where FSDb is offered, the functions of the system are still only categorised as Level 2 on the Automotive Engineers’ driving automation scale. Cars that are Level 3 and up may be referred to as having autonomous capability according to this scale, but that excludes Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X.