Dec 22, 2021 - Economy

Auto safety regulator opens probe into Tesla gaming feature

Fadel Allassan

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a probe into some Tesla models over a feature that lets drivers play video games on the front-center touch screen while the car is in motion, it said in a filing on Tuesday.

What they're saying: "This functionality, referred to as 'Passenger Play,' may distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash," the auto regulator wrote.

Details: The probe will look into Tesla Model 3, S, X and Y cars from 2017 through 2022 that are equipped with the function — an estimated 580,000 vehicles, per NHTSA.

The feature has been available since December 2020 in certain vehicles, but it was previously only enabled when a car was parked, per the filing.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Auto safety regulator opens probe into Tesla gaming feature

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