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Sure, Tesla’s “Smart Summon” Is Cool, But Is It Legal?

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Last week Tesla previewed to select media and other brand enthusiasts many features of its V10 software release, which was officially announced today. But the electric automotive manufacturer kept its most controversial feature in its back pocket–a remote valet.

Smart Summon is like the next-generation of the Summon function that many owners use to have their vehicle move a few feet forward or backwards without them being in the vehicle. However, with the V10 update, they’re able to select “Come to me” in the Tesla app, and direct the vehicle to drive to a location they select or where they are standing–without the driver being in the car.

To some degree, it’s like a remote control for the car. The owner needs to press and hold the “Go To Target” button to make the vehicle move. If they let go, the vehicle stops. Teslas are equipped with sensors that enable it to detect, stop for, and maneuver around obstacles and pedestrians, although details of testing and validation weren’t shared.

In the event of an accident, the owner likely would be at fault–at least, according to the manufacturer. Its release notes state, “You are still responsible for your car and must monitor it and its surroundings at all times.”

That’s why it also stipulates that Smart Summon should be used only when the vehicle is within the owner’s line of sight. And yet, that may not be enough oversight. One member of Tesla Motors Club’s recounted a hiccup with the feature. The Tesla owner was unable to get the vehicle to approach him or even unlock the doors using Smart Summon. It turned out that he was watching the wrong silver Model 3 and didn’t see his vehicle waiting for him in the next parking row.

That said, the feature has proved popular with its beta testers, according to the company. But it’s not impressing analysts.

"I question the usefulness,” says Mike Ramsey, senior research director for Gartner in Detroit. "However, it will likely have its intended effect of wowing people with innovative and interesting capabilities and continuous new abilities.”

There’s some concern from the general public (at least on Twitter) that this feature encourages is reckless, but it’s perfectly legal. At least it is in California.

The Smart Summon feature isn’t advanced enough to be considered “autonomous technology,” according to Marty Greenstein, spokesperson for Public Affairs for the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and therefore is not governed by AV regulations. That means that no permit is needed. However, the DMV stated in an email that Tesla needs clear and effective communication to the driver about the technology’s capabilities and intended use.

“It’s the same as using Autopilot,” says Greenstein in a phone interview with Forbes. “You can use it like you do any advanced driver assistance feature on public roads.”

Other highlights in the V10 release include streaming Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu or Hulu + Live TV in the center display while the vehicle is in park, integration of Spotify Premium, and Karaoke.

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