Tesla Introduces “Mad Max” Full Self Driving Mode, Raising Safety Concerns

Tesla has introduced a new mode for its Full Self Driving (Supervised) autonomous driving capability. This will be positioned as its most aggressive setting, allowing for higher speeds even at the cost of breaking speed limits, and quick lane changes, which the company says is best suited for dense city traffic. It is positioned above Hurry mode, which was the previous most assertive profile. With this, the company now offers drivers five unique modes with different levels of assertiveness vs caution: Mad Max, Hurry, Standard, Chill, and Sloth.

The new mode is currently available to Early Access testers. Interestingly, Tesla had previously offered a Mad Max mode in 2018 although it was subsequently removed without any formal announcement. In its current form, Mad Max mode allows for much more decisive driving when cutting through traffic, and quicker acceleration. As per early user reports in forums and on social media, the top speed now goes up to 85mph (approximately 137kmph). 

Many Tesla fans who have received the update seem to enjoy the speed and power, reporting much less frustration in typical driving situations. This is also seen as a significant step forward for Tesla’s autonomous driving ambitions, representing more confidence in its decision-making, and less reliance on a human driver. The mode has been characterised as “like a sports car” and “

Tesla’s Head of AI, Ashok Elluswamy, replied to users’ reactions online, saying “For when you’re late to your flight, or to pick your kid from school, and so on”, among other comments. Interestingly, the software update removes the availability to set a precise max speed offset, instead only letting users select between the five modes. 

The new mode will not be available in India as Tesla has not yet rolled out its Full Self Driving capability here, even though it is offered for sale and can be added on to a Model Y purchase here, in anticipation of a future launch.

However, others have raised concerns about safety implications, especially in situations where drivers might be expected to follow common sense or informal conventions. Videos posted online show Tesla cars rolling through intersections with stop signs and greatly exceeding posted speed limits even as they are clearly recognised and displayed to the driver. The move also comes ahead of Tesla's planned Cybercab launch, and its ongoing expansion of Robotaxi services across multiple cities in the USA.

The company has already faced multiple lawsuits for accidents, involving claims of fraudulent or misleading misrepresentation and improper design. In August this year, a Florida court ordered it to pay the family of a fatal Autopilot crash victim $243 million, and an ongoing case in California alleges wrongful death due to alleged faulty design of the Cybertruck’s electric door release resulting in multiple deaths. Investors have also alleged that Tesla knowingly misled them about the safety and reliability of its autonomous driving features. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the USA has also investigated Tesla’s autopilot and Full Self Driving offerings multiple times for violating traffic safety regulations.