Seoul police have initiated legal proceedings against 80 Tesla owners for utilizing unauthorized hardware to activate Full Self-Driving (FSD) features in vehicles where the software is not legally permitted. Authorities have also confiscated 21 of these aftermarket devices during the enforcement operation.
The investigation revealed that suspects either imported the unlock modules from China and Europe or manufactured them independently using instructions found online. These devices function by connecting to the vehicle's CAN bus to bypass regional software restrictions, effectively enabling FSD on models like the Model 3 and Model Y.
The suspects face charges under the Motor Vehicle Management Act, which prohibits unauthorized software modifications impacting vehicle safety. Penalties for these violations include potential prison sentences of up to two years or fines reaching ₩20 million, which is approximately $15,000.
The crackdown follows a request from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which identified safety risks associated with the unauthorized use of the feature. Officials noted that the software could misinterpret driving conditions, leading to potential hazards on the road.
While Tesla launched FSD in South Korea in late 2025, it is currently restricted to US-built models such as the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck. Data indicates that only a small fraction of the total Tesla fleet in the country is legally eligible to utilize the FSD software.
