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When Tesla launched the new Model S and Model X last week, critics immediately fell on the vehicles’ uniquely shaped “yoke” steering system. If recent comments from UK regulators are any indication, however, it looks like the leadership of Tesla’s yoke for refreshed flagship vehicles will find its way onto UK roads.
Vehicles on UK roads are regulated by several regulatory bodies. In a recent report, The Sunday Times chose to get confirmation from the appropriate agency to see whether Tesla’s steering yoke would be approved for public use or not. The publication contacted the Driver and Vehicle Safety Agency (DVSA), who referred it to the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). The VCA then spent the Times at the Ministry of Transport (DfT).
The UK Department for Transport oversees all agencies and policy decisions that affect roads, vehicles and road safety. Following an investigation, the post received a brief response, and it was quite positive for the US-based electric car maker: “The steering equipment regulations (UNECE Regulation 79) do not say no shape or size of steering wheel. “Wrote the DfT.
The response of the British body echoes the position of the Netherlands’ National Road Traffic Agency (RDW), which oversees the registration, registration and control of vehicles and drivers in the country. In a recent statement to a local news agency, the RDW confirmed that Tesla’s uniquely shaped steering system for Model S and Model X is completely legal. The agency even cited the same UNECE Regulation 79 to underline its point.
The DfT guide to MOT inspections refers to testing various steering systems, including yokes and handlebars. Based on agency guidelines, a steering system could work as long as there is no excessive play, wear, or damage that would make a vehicle unsafe. Designs that could lead to accidents would also trigger a recall. In short, as long as Tesla can demonstrate that the new Model S and X steering yoke is safe, it would be perfectly legal for use on UK roads.
However, the DfT noted that there is something about Tesla’s new flagship cars that warrants concern. Tesla notes on its official webpage that both Model S and Model X are compatible with wireless controllers that allow gaming from any seat in the vehicle. According to the DfT, UK law states that features such as video games should not be available to front passengers when the car is in motion. If Tesla allows arcade games to be displayed on the main Model S and Model X refresh screen while vehicles are in motion, the company could run into regulators, even if the front passenger is the one playing. games, not the driver.
“By law, drivers can only use the screens when viewing driving information related to the condition of the vehicle or its equipment, when navigation is displayed or when helping to visualize the road around the vehicle. . Under the Road Vehicle (Restriction and Use) Regulations, screens used for anything else should not be visible to the driver while the vehicle is being driven, ”a DfT spokesperson said.
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