Musk says new Tesla software allows texting and driving, which is illegal in most states

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced via an X post that the latest version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software allows drivers to text while driving without triggering any warnings. This feature is controversial because texting while driving is illegal in nearly all U.S. states, with about half banning any handheld phone use while driving. Despite Musk’s claims, FSD remains a driver-assistance system rather than full vehicle autonomy, requiring drivers to stay attentive and ready to take control at any moment. Tesla uses in-cabin cameras and sensors to monitor driver engagement, but the system’s reliance on driver readiness has been linked to crashes, and Musk has previously acknowledged that Autopilot can lead to driver complacency. Regulatory scrutiny of Tesla’s FSD is intensifying. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the software following reports of it running red lights, crossing into wrong lanes, and causing crashes in low-visibility conditions. Meanwhile, Tesla faces a legal challenge from the California