Tesla "Mad Max" mode accused of enabling reckless automated driving

Tesla's "Mad Max" mode for its Full Self-Driving system is accused of enabling reckless, high-speed driving and disregarding speed limits, leading to US federal investigations and public safety concerns.​ What happened The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into Tesla's "Mad Max" setting, which is part of the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software after reports of safety violations, accidents, and injuries. Mad Max allegedly allows the vehicle to perform more assertive manoeuvers such as closer following distances, aggressive lane changes, allowing vehicles to exceed posted speed limits and perform more aggressive maneuvers. Social media posts and user videos show Teslas chasing speeds up to 85 mph on highways with much lower limits. Some users complain this could increase collision risks, endanger other road users, and normalise unsafe driving practices, potentially leading to accidents involving Tesla vehicles operating in this mode. Why it happened Tesla's aggressive rollout of "Mad Max" mode reflects a pattern of launching assertive automated driving features with limited regulatory oversight and minimal safety constraints. Critics argue that Tesla puts development resources into flashy updates instead of addressing long-standing safety flaws in its automation systems. Transparency is lacking, with unclear communication about driver responsibility and system limitations - despite public assurances that drivers must remain attentive, the technology evidently enables violations of local speed laws. The fact that the Mad Max name references a post-apocalyptic action film is seen as trivialising the serious safety issues the mode poses. What it means For Tesla owners, Mad Max mode risks substantial fines, penalties, and higher chances of crashes, while setting a precedent that undermines basic road safety expectations. It also increases their personal liability. Other road users indirectly face dangers from unpredictable, high-speed vehicles operated by aggressive AI. More broadly, the situation raises important about the autonomous vehicle industry's self-regulation, and whether profit-driven feature development is outpacing safety considerations. It highlights the need for urgent regulatory action and improved accountability from automakers. System 🤖 Full-self driving Mad Max Developer: Tesla Country: USA Sector: Auto motive Purpose: Navigate traffic at higher speed Technology: Self-driving system; Computer vision; Machine learning Issue: Accountability; Safety; Transparency

Date it happened

2025-10-01

Organisation involved

Tesla drivers

Product, system or model

Full-self driving; Mad Max

This is a record of what was reported, not a finding that anyone broke the law. If it names your organisation and you believe it is wrong, the corrections process is free and open to everyone.