Trump’s Big Rule Change: Tesla Just Got a Huge Break on Crash Reporting.
- Quentin Colombier
- May 14
- 2 min read
Hold onto your seatbelts, because things just got way easier for Tesla — and it’s all thanks to a surprising move from Trump’s transportation team.
So, What’s the Deal?
Back in 2021, under Biden, a rule was put in place that forced car companies like Tesla to report crashes involving self-driving and semi-self-driving cars. That included Tesla’s famous Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features.
Basically, if a Tesla even sneezed near another car within 30 seconds of a crash, it had to be reported. Tesla ended up reporting over 1,500 crashes — including 40 out of 45 fatal ones.
Now, Trump’s team decided to keep the crash-reporting rule, but with a twist that just happens to help Tesla in a big way.
Here’s What’s Changing
Before:
If a Tesla on Autopilot got into a crash that needed a tow truck or triggered an airbag — even without injuries — it had to be reported.
Now:
Only crashes involving a fatality, a pedestrian or cyclist, or a hospitalisation must be reported for Level 2 systems like Tesla’s.
Translation? If there are no injuries, no airbags triggered, and just a tow truck called, Tesla no longer has to report it. And guess which company has the most Level 2 cars on the road? Exactly — Tesla.
Why Does This Matter?
This change means Tesla can avoid a lot of bad headlines about fender benders and minor accidents. Less reporting equals fewer crash stories hitting the news.
Safety advocates are not thrilled. They argue that less transparency will make it harder for the public to know which companies are truly safe — and which ones are not. Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, summed it up perfectly:"We are disappointed that DOT chose to dilute, instead of enhance, the reporting requirements."
Bonus Tweaks: The Fine Print
Not only did crash reporting get softened, but Trump’s Department of Transportation also expanded a special exemption program. Now, U.S.-made self-driving cars — not just imports — can bypass a few regulatory hoops more easily.
It’s all part of the administration’s plan to make America "a more welcoming environment" for new car tech. Critics, however, see it as a major gift to Tesla, especially after Elon Musk contributed $277 million to support Trump’s campaign.
The Bottom Line
Tesla just got a major favor. Fewer crashes will need to be reported. Public access to information about car safety just got a little cloudier.
Is this a smart move to boost innovation — or a risky shortcut on the road to full autonomy?
Either way, Tesla’s Autopilot can now cruise into the future with far fewer speed bumps in its path.
Would you feel safer or more nervous riding in a self-driving Tesla after this?
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