Tesla has rolled out a significant software update, version 2026.2.9, primarily to comply with a recent mandate from California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The update addresses the naming conventions of certain driver assistance features, a change prompted by a lawsuit that had threatened the company’s ability to sell vehicles in the state.
Mandated Name Changes for Key Features
The core of this software update involves renaming two prominent features within Tesla vehicles. This adjustment is a direct response to regulatory pressure, particularly from California, regarding the marketing and terminology of automated driving systems.
The company explicitly stated in the release notes for the update: “This change only updates the name of certain features and text in your vehicle, and does not change the way your features behave.” This clarification aims to assure customers that the functionality of their vehicles remains unaffected.
Specific Feature Renaming
The update brings the following specific changes to the nomenclature used in Tesla vehicles:
- Navigate on Autopilot has been renamed to Navigate on Autosteer.
- FSD Computer has been renamed to AI Computer.
Background: The California DMV Mandate
Tesla faced a critical juncture when the California DMV ordered a 30-day sales suspension. The agency cited non-compliance with regulations concerning the marketing of the company’s automated driving features. The DMV confirmed on February 18, 2026, that it had initiated a “corrective action” which necessitated these naming adjustments.
This move by California follows a trend of increased scrutiny on the naming of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies. Previous concerns were also raised at the federal level, with officials, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, suggesting that terms like “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” could be considered deceptive.
Tesla’s Stance and Continued Operations
In response to the California DMV’s directive, Tesla North America previously stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the order was a “consumer protection” measure. The company noted that the issue centered on the use of the term “Autopilot,” even in cases where no customers had reported problems with the feature’s behavior.
Despite the legal and regulatory challenges, Tesla has confirmed that sales in California will continue without interruption. The company has also taken legal action, filing a lawsuit against the California DMV over the ruling.
Broader Implications for ADAS Terminology
The renaming of these features marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate surrounding the terminology used for advanced vehicle technologies. As the automotive industry rapidly evolves towards greater automation, clear and accurate communication with consumers about system capabilities and limitations becomes increasingly vital.
Tesla’s proactive update demonstrates its commitment to adhering to regulatory requirements while continuing its push for advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving capabilities. The company’s ability to adapt its naming conventions while maintaining functionality is crucial for its ongoing operations and expansion in markets like California.
The focus now shifts to how these revised names will be perceived by consumers and whether this regulatory action will set a precedent for other jurisdictions grappling with similar issues related to the marketing of autonomous and semi-autonomous driving systems. The company’s strategic adjustments underscore the complex interplay between technological innovation, consumer perception, and regulatory oversight in the rapidly advancing field of electric vehicles and autonomous driving.