by Norwegian Driver Fined for Speeding in Tesla on Autopilot
A driver from Norway was fined for exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h in a Tesla that was moving in autopilot mode. The court ruled that the man grossly ignored the duty to monitor the road situation. The driver himself claimed that the car did not recognize the reduced speed in the tunnel.
The incident occurred in the Nøstved tunnel, where the normal speed is limited to 90 km/h. However, in March, due to repair work, the speed was temporarily reduced first to 70 km/h and then to 50 km/h. The driver’s Tesla did not reduce speed, and it was recorded by cameras at the tunnel exit.
The court noted that the driver is obliged to constantly monitor the speed limit, and blind reliance on technology is negligence.
The man tried to appeal the fine, citing the absence of signs and a failure of the autopilot system, but the court rejected his arguments. The driver was fined 16,500 kroner (about $1,615), ordered to pay court costs, and deprived of his license for 9 months.
This case is yet another reminder that modern driver assistance systems do not absolve one of responsibility. Even the smartest technologies require human attention, especially under variable road conditions. The story also highlights the importance of updating maps and software in cars with autopilot.
