Comma.ai developer kills semi-autonomous device after NHTSA request
he organization brought these issues to Hotz in a letter, recommending he delay introduction of the product and requiring him to provide information.
Hotz then cancelled the project completely. He made the announcement on Twitter, saying that he "would much rather spend my life building amazing tech than dealing with regulators and lawyers." He also complained that the first time he heard from the organization was with this letter and what he called a "threat."
comma ai @comma_aiWould much rather spend my life building amazing tech than dealing with regulators and lawyers. It isn't worth it. -GH 2/3
The thing is, Hotz postedthe letter, and contrary to his opinion, NHTSA comes across as more than reasonable. For instance, NHTSA wasn't forbidding Hotz from selling the product. The organization emphasized its opinion that it should be delayed, but Hotz still could have continued with his product roll-out. NHTSA was seeking more information on the autonomous device, such as how it will be installed, how it will work, what vehicles and conditions it operates in, and what emergency safety features or procedures are included, among other things. If Hotz missed the reply deadline of November 10, he could have been fined up to $21,000 per day, which is probably what he referred to as a "threat."
