Oct 24 (Reuters) - The National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration said on Friday it is seeking information from

Tesla about a new driver assistance mode dubbed "Mad

Max" that operates at higher speeds than other versions.

Some drivers on social media report that Tesla vehicles

using the more aggressive version of its Full Self-Driving

system could operate above posted speed limits.

"NHTSA is in contact with the manufacturer to gather

additional information," the agency said. "The human behind the

wheel is fully responsible for driving the vehicle and complying

with all traffic safety laws."

NHTSA earlier this month opened an investigation into

2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with its FSD system due to

the dozens of reports of traffic-safety violations and crashes.

NHTSA said in opening the investigation it is reviewing

58 reports of issues involving traffic safety violations when

using FSD, including 14 crashes and 23 injuries.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment,

but last week reposted a social media post that described Mad

Max mode as accelerating and weaving "through traffic at an

incredible pace, all while still being super smooth. It drives

your car like a sports car. If you are running late, this is the

mode for you."

NHTSA said earlier this month that FSD - an assistance

system that requires drivers to pay attention and intervene if

needed - has "induced vehicle behavior that violated traffic

safety laws."

The agency said it has six reports in which a Tesla

vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, "approached an intersection

with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the

intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved

in a crash with other motor vehicles."

Tesla says FSD "will drive you almost anywhere with your

active supervision, requiring minimal intervention" but does not

make the car self-driving.

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot

system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In October 2024, NHTSA opened anm investigation into 2.4

million Tesla vehicles

with FSD after four collisions

in conditions of reduced roadway visibility.

The Washington Post had previously reported the agency's

interest in the Mad Max mode.