Can You Use Your Phone While Driving a Tesla: Legal and Safety Considerations

As a Tesla Model 3 owner, I had a neighbor drive my car after it was picked up from the hospital. This incident led me to explore the possibilities of using my phone to control various functions of a Tesla. The Tesla mobile app offers a wide range of features, including remote unlocking, starting the car, and controlling the climate. However, the question remains: can you use your phone while driving a Tesla? This article delves into the legal and safety considerations surrounding this topic.

Using Your Phone to Control Your Tesla

Unlocking and Starting the Car

The Tesla mobile app is incredibly versatile. You can unlock your Tesla simply by tapping Lock and Unlock on the app. For newer models equipped with Phone Key, you can even unlock and start the car by holding your phone near the driver's side door pillar. This feature is particularly useful for pre-heating or cooling the car before you get in. Starting the car remotely requires entering your PIN for security reasons. This feature is convenient for pre-setting the vehicle's temperature.

Controlling the Climate

You can set the climate control of your Tesla remotely, ensuring a comfortable driving experience from the moment you get in. This feature is especially useful on hot or cold days. By pre-setting the temperature, you can ensure the car is at a comfortable level when you start the journey. This can be a lifesaver on extreme days, and it adds a layer of convenience to your daily routine.

Monitoring Charging Status

The Tesla mobile app also allows you to monitor your car's charging status in real-time. You can see the current battery level, charging rate, and estimated time to full charge. Additionally, you can start or stop charging remotely, which is convenient for adjusting charging based on your needs. Some models even allow you to open the charge port remotely.

Legal Considerations

The use of your phone while driving a Tesla is a complex issue that intersects with both local laws and the car's self-driving capabilities. The Georgia law is quite specific. It legally permits the use of a cell phone if it has not been taken out of a holster to answer a call, meaning you answered the call before getting into the car, put it back in the holster, and continued driving—without taking it out of the holster. This law also strictly states that only a holster is allowed, not a regular case or no case at all, and the phone should not be taken out of the holster under any circumstances, even to answer an expected call or change music.

Impact on Safety and Consciousness

Using your phone while driving, even if it's just for a moment, can be extremely dangerous. It distracts you from the road and reduces your reaction time. Recent accidents have highlighted the risks of smartphone usage. For example, a teenage driver in Georgia was involved in a crash while using his phone, and his phone was later found on the floor of the vehicle, indicating that he may have been unable to use both hands to control the steering wheel. The Tesla, Inc. advises that the driver must always pay attention to the road and be ready to take over control of the vehicle at any time. Georgia's law does not have any exemptions for Tesla, just that a holster is the only allowed method of carrying a phone while driving. Even with a holster, it's advisable not to take the phone out, whether to answer an expected call or to change music.

Conclusion

While the Tesla mobile app provides a wide array of convenient features, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Even if your car is equipped with advanced technology, using your phone while driving can have serious consequences. Follow the local laws and keep your focus on the road.