Tesla ‘Mad Max’ mode reportedly being probed by feds

(KRON) — Tesla is reportedly the subject of a federal probe over its new “Mad Max” driver assistance mode. Tesla rolled out the firmware earlier this month for the controversial self-driving feature, which causes the vehicle to speed and swerve through traffic to reach a destination faster, while in full self-driving mode (FSD).

According to Reuters, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is now seeking information from the EV maker about “Mad Max” mode. Social media reports indicate that the more aggressive form of Tesla’s self-driving mode could lead the vehicles to break posted speed limits.

“NHTSA is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information,” the NHTSA told Reuters. “The human behind the wheel is fully responsible for driving the vehicle and complying with all traffic safety laws.”

A separate report in Ars Technica indicated that the NHTSA had opened a preliminary investigation after dozens of complaints about Teslas running stop signs or crossing oncoming traffic while operating in full self-driving mode.

The NHTSA, according to Reuters, cited six reports in which Teslas operating in FSD “approached an intersection with a red light signal, continued to travel into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other vehicles.”