Here’s an interesting question: If an automaker adds a feature that allows your car to speed without you even touching the wheel, is it an accomplice in a crime? It’s a bizarre scenario, but very close to the reality of Tesla’s “Mad Max” mode.

The automaker first experimented with a “Mad Max” mode for its Autopilot driver-assistance software in 2018. It deleted this mode for years. Then in 2025, it reintroduced “Mad Max” as a feature for its Full Self Driving (FSD) driver-assistance software. Here’s the reaction from one driver, which Tesla proudly reposted:

“FSD accelerates and weaves through traffic at an incredible pace, all while still being super smooth. It drives your car like a sports car. If you are running late, this is the mode for you,” said Nic Cruze Patane.

The only problem? The folks who write and enforce speed limits aren’t thrilled about Tesla enabling drivers to break them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminded Tesla drivers that “the human behind the wheel is fully responsible for driving the vehicle and complying with all traffic safety laws.”

Tesla called to the proverbial principal’s office over Mad Max, FSD crashes

Mad Max https://t.co/T3GxhCM1DD

— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2025

But that’s not all. The agency added that it is “in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information.”

The complaint may get pushed to the end of the agenda at NHTSA’s next meeting with Tesla. The agency is understandably more concerned about the automaker’s robotaxi rollout, after multiple self-driving cars crashed. It has received six reports of Teslas operating with FSD that “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles.”