Tesla FSD v13.2.9: Less strict driver monitoring for more comfort

Are you annoyed by the constant warnings from the FSD Driver Monitoring System (DMS) when you just glance at the screen briefly? With the latest update FSD v13.2.9, Tesla has relaxed the driver monitoring to make the driving experience more pleasant and safer. In this article, you will learn what has changed, why it is important, and how it affects the future of Full Self-Driving (FSD).

What has changed in FSD v13.2.9?

With the update FSD v13.2.9, included in the software release 2025.14.6, Tesla has relaxed the driver monitoring via the cabin camera. This change was not officially documented in the release notes but was confirmed by Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's VP of Autopilot AI, on X. The key points:

Fewer warnings: The system is more tolerant of brief glances at the central screen, such as changing a song or entering a navigation destination.
Speed-dependent adjustments: Users on X, like @techSage, report that FSD v13.2.9 allows up to 10 seconds of screen time at low speeds (e.g., under 16 km/h), while the tolerance at higher speeds (e.g., ~50 mph) drops to about 8 seconds.
Safety balance: The relaxation aims to reduce unnecessary “nags” (warnings) without compromising safety.

This change responds to complaints from users like Mike P. on X, who found the monitoring too strict. A glance at the screen could trigger an FSD strike, causing many to disable FSD, drive manually, and then reactivate it – a potentially unsafe workaround.

Why is the relaxation of driver monitoring important?

The strict driver monitoring in earlier versions led to a safety paradox:

Too many warnings: Frequent “nags” for normal interactions (e.g., song changes) led drivers to turn off FSD, increasing distractions like typing while driving.
User frustration: Posts on X, like from @TheTeslaLife, show that the community welcomes the change as it makes the driving experience more relaxed without neglecting attention.

Elon Musk recognized the issue during the Q1 2025 Earnings Call and promised to optimize the monitoring. The change in v13.2.9 is a step in this direction and part of the plan to prepare for Unsupervised FSD, where driver monitoring could be completely eliminated.

How does the new monitoring work?

Although the exact parameters have not been released, reports suggest the following improvements:

Tolerance at low speeds: At speeds below 10 mph (16 km/h), the system might be more lenient, similar to red lights where no warnings are issued today.
Intelligent detection : The system better distinguishes between necessary interactions (e.g., navigation input) and distractions. @techSage on X mentions that the system no longer triggers false warnings for items like protein shake cartons.
Fewer Strikes: The threshold for FSD strikes (locks after repeated warnings) has been raised, reducing the risk of deactivation.

The update is already installed on 38.8% of the Tesla fleet (as of May 19, 2025, 9:25 UTC) and continues to be rolled out.

What does this mean for the future of FSD?

The relaxation of driver monitoring is an important step towards Unsupervised FSD, where the vehicle drives fully autonomously. Further developments in v13.2.9, such as improved object recognition and a 36 Hz, high-resolution AI4 video input, support this course. The changes show that Tesla takes user feedback seriously – a point celebrated by @AKCapStrat on X: “ELON SAID ‘YOU’RE RIGHT’ — AND BOOM, IT’S FIXED.”

For European readers, this is particularly exciting as FSD is subject to even stricter regulatory requirements in Europe. The improvements could lay the foundation for a broader introduction once authorities give the green light.

Conclusion: A step towards more relaxed and safer FSD

With FSD v13.2.9, Tesla makes the driving experience more comfortable by relaxing driver monitoring without compromising safety. Fewer warnings for brief glances at the screen and smarter detection are a win for all FSD users. For us in Europe, the update shows how Tesla perfects the balance between safety and user-friendliness – a promising step towards an autonomous future. Look forward to more updates that make FSD even better!