Tesla Drivers can play video games while driving [UPDATE]

NHTSA is currently investigating 580,000 Teslas that have Passenger Play functionality via the Tesla Arcade feature.

Update: According the Associated Press Tesla will release a software update that will effectively roll back Passenger Play on its vehicles. The vehicle must be completely stopped before any games on the infotainment screen can be played.

Tesla has been identified as a company of concern by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Officials are now looking closely at Passenger Play, which is available in more than half a million Tesla cars. There are many fun video games that can be played in Tesla infotainment systems. Passenger Play can also be activated while the car’s moving. This is probably obvious.

According to NHTSA reports, the feature was added last summer and is currently available on 580,000 Tesla vehicles dating back to 2017. The investigation will examine all current models and determine if driving while playing video games is distracting to the driver. This sounds like the most obvious decision of the century. However, it is important to remember that the NHTSA report does not mention anything about. Drivers Playing games. The system is called Passenger Play so it is likely that the passenger is having the most fun. Could this be enough to distract the driver?


Our colleagues from InsideEVs pointed out that Passenger Play is a way to engage passengers. It involves pressing a button on the Tesla’s touchscreen, which confirms that you are a passenger. This is something that the driver can certainly do. We have also seen other people bypass safety features in other vehicles. The NHTSA opened an investigation after Tesla drivers were concerned about distractions from gaming while driving.

It is unclear at this time if the investigation will lead to a rollback of Passenger Play functionality. It is so easy for the driver to use the system, it seems that some action will be taken, possibly the installation of additional systems to verify that a passenger is in the vehicle.

We can’t believe that has to tell you this, but doesn’t play video games while driving a car.