Tesla Autopilot Monthly Subscription Fee Set at $99 Starting Valentine's Day

Tesla is trading flowers for fees this Valentine's Day. Starting February 14, 2026, owners who want their vehicles to handle the steering will need to shell out a $99 monthly subscription fee. The move marks a definitive shift for Tesla, turning its signature driver-assist technology into a recurring revenue stream rather than a standard feature.

The Shift to a Tesla Autopilot Monthly Subscription Fee

For over a decade, Tesla has shaped the EV market with its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems. While Autopilot combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, FSD aims for surface street navigation. Despite CEO Elon Musk's ambitious claims, both remain 'Level 2' systems, requiring constant human oversight. The new $99 fee will now gatekeep these essential steering assists.

Legal Turmoil and Regulatory Pressure

The subscription launch comes as Tesla faces intense legal heat. A recent wrongful death lawsuit resulted in a staggering $329 million judgment against the company. Furthermore, California regulators have accused Tesla of deceptive marketing, leading an administrative law judge to briefly suspend Tesla's license to sell cars in the state—a decision currently under a 60-day stay by the DMV.