Is Tesla letting drivers game while the car moves? Here’s what you need to know

Imagine cruising down the highway and seeing a teammate score a goal in a game on your dashboard. Sounds fun, right? But what if that fun moment puts you and others at risk? That’s the situation Tesla finds itself in after several reports claimed drivers were playing video games while the car was in motion.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation to find out if Tesla’s Autopilot system is letting drivers get distracted. The agency wants to know whether the car’s software makes it easy to start a game, and if so, whether Tesla has done enough to stop it.

Why the investigation matters

Driving is already a full‑attention task. Adding a game on the screen can pull eyes and focus away from the road. If a car’s autopilot is too hands‑off, a driver might think it’s safe to play, but the tech may still need human input at any moment. That’s the gray area the NHTSA is exploring.

Legal teams are watching closely because a finding of negligence could lead to fines or new regulations. Other car makers might have to tighten their own infotainment rules, which could change how we interact with vehicle screens in the future.

What you can do right now

If you own a Tesla or any car with a big screen, treat it like any other distraction. Keep gaming to parked mode, use hands‑free options for navigation, and let Autopilot be a helper, not a substitute for your eyes.

Also, stay updated on the investigation’s progress. NHTSA usually releases findings in stages, so you’ll hear if they recommend design changes or new driver‑alert systems.

Bottom line: the thrill of gaming inside a moving car is tempting, but safety should win every time. Keep your focus on the road, and let the games wait until you’re safely parked.