New Tesla steering wheel deemed legal in UK

Department for Transport confirms unusually shaped wheel will pass through UK safety regulations

New Tesla steering wheel deemed legal in UK

Tesla’s new U-shaped steering wheel, which is set to appear in its newly updated Model S and Model X, has been deemed legal in the UK by the Department for Transport.

The new steering wheel design will be offered as an option alongside a conventional round wheel.

At the time of the unveil, many questioned the legality of such a design outside of Tesla’s US home market.

However, the DfT has since pointed to the Economic Commission For Europe of the United Nations (UN/ECE) Regulation 79.

The regulation exists to “establish uniform provisions for the layout and performance of steering systems fitted to vehicles used on the road”.

Related: Tesla recalls Model S and Model X over failing touchscreens

It was originally put into place to regulate now-common ‘drive-by-wire’ steering systems, in which there’s no mechanical link to the car’s wheels.

However, the regulation doesn’t stipulate anywhere that a steering device must be a specific size or shape.

The MOT inspection manual lists – in section 2.2.2 – advice for testing a “steering column or forks and yokes” in cars and passenger vehicles.

The only requirement is that whatever form of steering control must be sturdily attached and have minimal play.

During the launch Tesla also announced a new feature for their infotainment systems called the “Tesla Arcade.”

Related: VW launches EV battery recycling pilot

The company says its latest touchscreen has enough processing power to run modern video games – and that “wireless controller compatibility allows gaming from any seat.”

However, a DfT spokesperson also told the Sunday Times: “By law, drivers can only use screens when viewing driving information related to the state of the vehicle or its equipment, when navigation is displayed, or when assisting in viewing the road around the vehicle.

“Under the Road Vehicles (Constriction and Use) regulations, screens used for anything else should not be visible to the driver while the vehicle is being driven.”

It means that even if a front passenger is playing a game, the ability for the driver to see it renders it illegal.

Related: BMW to industrialise 3D printing

Home Page Forums New Tesla steering wheel deemed legal in UK

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  • #207929 Reply

    Tesla’s new U-shaped steering wheel, which is set to appear in its newly updated Model S and Model X, has been deemed legal in the UK by the Departmen
    [See the full post at: New Tesla steering wheel deemed legal in UK]

    #207965 Reply
    Meat-Head
    Blocked

    Great another stupid idea. Look on mot history for “BVX9L”
    The Bat Mobile failed for modifed steering wheel – was cut off simular to above.

    Was there not some stupid wheel for renult espace once upon a time?

    How can you pose in mac d car park with palm of your hand?

    At least you can still talk on your phone and roll a spliff at the same time
    Steering with your knee still.

    Be great if they all get crashed because of that wheel.

    #207991 Reply
    Epicyclic
    Guest

    This follows in a grand tradition of less-than-sensible manufacturer decisions starting with the early Austin Allegro (ADO67). A number of cars do now however have steering wheels that are squared-off at the bottom (eg VW Golf) and they’re surprisingly ‘comfortable’ to drive.

    #207995 Reply
    TIM
    Guest

    Will they change the driving test to go with it? When i learned to drive you had the feed the wheel through both both of your hands.They should also add a forklift truck one handed knob on to round the job off.

    #207997 Reply
    Paul
    Guest

    Looks like a koala bears face

    #208431 Reply
    Meat-Head
    Blocked

    Here look at this, crash count your fingers and legs first

    twitter. com/torbenbrenden/status/1361718934328799232

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

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