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Naomi Ng

Hong Kong’s transport authority has issued a warning letter to electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla after it launched an “autopilot” software update that allows motorists to drive “hands free” without government approval.
The Transport Department also advised Tesla drivers against using the software.
“We have reminded Tesla that such software updates can be installed in vehicles only after the Transport Department has approved them,” a statement by the department read.
Tesla rolled out its new “Autopilot” feature worldwide last weekend, which allows Model S cars to automatically change lanes, change speed in traffic, steer within lanes and park with the help of radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors.
Watch: Can Tesla's new 'autopilot' system work in crowded Hong Kong? We did a test drive

The US-based carmaker had earlier said that a further approval was not necessary since it was only a “functional update” and not a change in hardware.
The spokeswoman added that the software update was “100 per cent EU compliant” after a Dutch statutory body gave it the green light on October 24.
According to the Transport Department, Tesla has since handed over relevant documents for review.
While Tesla motorists cannot uninstall the software update to a previous version, they can choose to not activate its functions while driving.
READ MORE: 'Hands-free' driving in Hong Kong: Tesla begins road-testing 'autopilot' mode, government yet to approve, SCMP takes it for a spin
“Autopilot is not activated by default. It is, and always is, the driver’s decision to use or not to use the function,” said Locky Law, the Tesla owners’ representative at Charged Hong Kong, an organisation that promotes electric vehicles.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk stressed that the new features, although still in the early stages, are akin to the autopilot systems that airline pilots use, and that the driver is still fully responsible and ultimately in control of the car.

The functions, designed predominantly for highway usage, are only supposed to be used on roads where lanes are clearly marked.
However, dozens of videos online already show American drivers pushing the limits of the system, and treating it like a fully autonomous car, with one driver even reading a newspaper while cruising on a private road.
Although the latest 7.0 version is a step forward in self-driving technology, drivers are still required to keep their hands on the steering wheel.
Hong Kong police earlier issued a statement to the South China Morning Post warning that any drivers unable to control their vehicle properly and who endanger the safety of other road users may be violating traffic laws.


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Tesla

Tesla ‘hands free’ update gets rap on the knuckles from Hong Kong government as drivers warned not to use Autopilot update

Look, no hands: An employee tests a Tesla Model S with Autopilot hardware and software. Photo: Reuters

The software allows Model S cars to automatically change lanes, change speed in traffic, steer within lanes and park with the help of radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Photo: SCMP

The software allows Model S cars to automatically change lanes, change speed in traffic, steer within lanes and park with the help of radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors.

Look, no hands: An employee tests a Tesla Model S with Autopilot hardware and software. Photo: Bloomberg

'Hands-free' driving in Hong Kong: Tesla begins road-testing 'autopilot' mode, government yet to approve, SCMP takes it for a spin

Tesla Model S all-electric car during a road test in Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Tesla Model S all-electric car during a road test in the United States. Photo: Kyodo

The speedometer area above the steering wheel. Each piece can be swapped out for music, navigation and other modules.

Hong Kong now has highest density of Tesla superchargers in the world

Mainland China is struggling with a shortage of charging stations for electric vehicles, but Hong Kong's size makes it an easier market to accommodate. Photo: Xinhua

Why let Tesla take it all? Hong Kong a perfect testing ground for China-developed electric car

The Tesla Model S is the favoured electric car for wealthier Hong Kong residents. Photo: Bloomberg

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