South Korean authorities have taken action against 80 Tesla owners, booking them for allegedly using unauthorized devices to activate the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature in vehicles not approved for the technology within the country. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s traffic crime investigation team also seized 21 unauthorized devices during their investigation.
The crackdown follows an inquiry into the illicit modification of vehicle software, which officials warn could significantly compromise road safety. According to reports from the Yonhap News Agency, suspects either purchased activation devices from overseas, including China and Europe, or developed their own using publicly available information on Tesla’s electronic control systems.
Why FSD is Restricted in South Korea
Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) feature is subject to strict regulations in South Korea. It is officially permitted only in certain US-manufactured models, such as the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck. This exemption is tied to the US-South Korea free trade agreement.
Conversely, China-manufactured Tesla models, including the popular Model Y, are not authorized to use FSD because they have not met specific domestic safety requirements. The FSD system, despite its name, is a driver-assistance feature that requires constant human supervision and does not render the vehicle fully autonomous.
Safety Concerns and Legal Consequences
Police have issued warnings that activating FSD through unofficial channels can prevent vehicles from accurately perceiving driving conditions or lead to unintended vehicle behavior. Such modifications also bypass manufacturer software updates and certification procedures, potentially creating unforeseen hazards.
Under South Korea’s Motor Vehicle Management Act, unauthorized alterations to vehicle software that could impact safe operation are strictly prohibited. Individuals found guilty face severe penalties, including up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won, approximately $15,000 USD. The investigation was initiated following a referral from South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which had identified attempts to activate restricted FSD functions.