A safety investigation has been launched over the potentially distracting feature.

The front seats of Tesla Model S, 3, X, and Y vehicles are equipped with an “infotainment display” that can display maps, radio controls, and other helpful features for drivers. However, in addition to these functions, the display also offers entertainment and games for the use of one in front passenger seat. Yesterday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a formal investigation into this feature on concerns that it could distract drivers, which in turn could lead to car accidents.

The current iteration of the “Passenger Play” feature allows passengers to play games on the display using the Touch Arcade library of games. Before 2020, this feature could only be used while the vehicle was in park, but the current iteration allows its use even while the vehicle is in motion. The only safety precaution against driver distraction is a brief warning that pops up when the app is launched, which reads “Use of Touch Arcade while the vehicle is in motion is only for passengers. Please check local laws prior to playing.”

Numerous US states have encompassing laws against the utilization of non-driving-related displays while a vehicle is in motion, in the same way texting while driving is illegal. The NHTSA also has official guidelines on the matter issued back in 2013, which state that “displaying images or video not related to driving… will inherently interfere with a driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle.”

The NHTSA will be investigating approximately 580,000 Tesla vehicles ranging from 2017 to 2020 to determine the safety of the Passenger Play feature.