/ February 26, 2026 Tesla’s vision for a self-driving future hinges on the seamless integration of software, regulation, and real-world testing data. A recent report from Reuters, however, suggests a significant disconnect in this equation, particularly in the crucial U.S. market of California. The investigation casts doubt on the company’s regulatory preparedness and highlights a growing gap between its ambitious goals and on-the-ground reality. A Concerning Lack of Reported Test Miles According to documents from California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reviewed by Reuters, Tesla has not reported a single mile of autonomous testing on public roads in the state since 2019. Cumulatively, the company’s filings with the agency since 2016 amount to just 562 miles. This finding is critical because establishing a credible regulatory track record is as vital as the underlying technology for any company pursuing autonomous driving in a market like California. A DMV spokesperson confirmed to Reuters that Tesla has not sought permits beyond an initial testing license, which explicitly requires a safety driver behind the wheel. Impending Rules Raise the Bar Further Compounding the pressure is a forthcoming regulatory proposal, expected to be finalized later this year. As detailed by Reuters, these new rules would mandate that a provider demonstrate at least 50,000 miles of autonomous driving with a safety driver on public roads before even applying for permission to test without one. Against this backdrop, Tesla’s current standing in California appears stalled. Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor and autonomous driving expert who has reportedly advised the DMV, offered a pointed assessment to Reuters. He suggested Tesla projects an image that “they are ready and the regulators are not,” while the reality may be that “the regulators are ready, and they are not.” Legal Dispute Over “Autopilot” Marketing Adds Tension This news emerges within an already contentious environment in the state. As reported by CNBC and Electrek, Tesla has filed a lawsuit against the DMV. The legal action followed the agency’s conclusion that the marketing of “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” features had been misleading.