Elon Musk has confirmed that one of the most requested features for its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software is coming within the next few months. During Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting on Thursday, Musk said an upcoming version of FSD could allow drivers to legally and safely text while the vehicle handles the driving—something he described as the “killer app” for autonomy.
According to Musk, the new software is reaching a level of capability where Tesla is “almost” comfortable letting owners take their hands off their phones, not the wheel.
“And now with version 14, we’re actually getting to the point where we almost feel comfortable allowing people to text and drive, which is kind of the killer app because that’s really what people want to do and do do,” Musk said.
Musk explained that the updated system will continue monitoring driver attention but will give owners more flexibility.
“And actually, now, the version’s… the car is a little strict about keeping your eyes on the road. But I’m confident that in the next month or two, we should… we’re going to look closely at the safety statistics, but we will allow you to text and drive essentially. So yes.”
A Major Shift in Tesla’s Driver-Monitoring
One of Tesla’s biggest hurdles as FSD matures is balancing driver freedom with regulatory and insurance requirements for attentive driving. Currently, Tesla’s in-cabin camera enforces strict eye-tracking, and if needed, reminders to apply torque to the steering wheel, to ensure drivers remain alert. Musk suggested that the latest FSD improvements could relax some of those guardrails.
He argued that this next level of driver monitoring and permitting texting while FSD is active may actually be safer than what is currently happening.
“It’s certainly been in the current situation, which often people will actually turn off FSD to text then turn it back on, which is less safe,” he said.
The implication is clear: if drivers are already reaching for their phones, Tesla believes the safer path is letting the software stay in control rather than having the vehicle switch between manual and autonomous modes.
Safety Data Behind The Switch
Musk emphasized that Tesla will not flip the switch immediately. Instead, the company plans to closely analyze real-world safety data from FSD v14 before lifting restrictions. He suggested the review will take “the next month or two.”
If Tesla follows through, it would be the first automaker to openly endorse texting while the vehicle handles driving duties—something that is currently illegal in most jurisdictions. Whether regulators, police, safety advocates, or insurance companies embrace the idea is another story entirely.
Would you be comfortable texting while FSD is active? Let us know in the comments below.
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