Semi-autonomous tech has suffered a blow -- at least in one part of the world.
Hong Kong Transportation Department officials demanded that Tesla Motors disable both the Autosteer and Auto Lane Change features of its Autopilot system after it deemed the hands-free systems too distracting for drivers.
Although the company recommends drivers keep at least one hand on the steering wheel while Autosteer is active, it's not necessary; some drivers (including me) are opting to remove both hands from the wheel and let the Model S do all the work.
Tesla sent a letter to Hong Kong Model S owners informing them the upstart EV automaker had used an over-the-air update to disable the features "effective immediately," without the owners' consent. The letter also added that Tesla is "optimistic" and the company expects to "receive final approvals soon."
While some suggest this blockage of semi-autonomous tech in Hong Kong is a bad omen for global implementation of self-driving cars, it should instead be seen for what it is: a slap on Tesla's wrist.
Other carmakers, like Honda and Mercedes-Benz, offer systems similar to Tesla's -- but absolutely require a driver's hands be on the wheel. Without constant feedback from a driver's hand, the systems disengage; Autopilot does not.
After seeing videos of Model S owners misusing Autopilot, Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk said it would move to restrict Autopilot a bit.