Federal safety regulators have contacted Tesla just one day after the automaker launched its highly anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. This move from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) follows numerous online reports and videos apparently showing Tesla’s autonomous vehicles violating traffic laws.
Tesla’s robotaxis began operating on Sunday, providing paid rides to select customers in South Austin. This represents the company’s first major public test of fully autonomous technology, configured with an unsupervised version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Unlike the consumer version of FSD, which acts as an advanced driver-assist feature and still requires active human oversight, the robotaxi variant is designed to operate autonomously, although Tesla has yet to disclose the full details of this software.
Videos published online have shown Tesla’s robotaxis engaging in troubling behavior, such as exceeding speed limits and, on at least one occasion, swerving unexpectedly into the opposite traffic lane. Further documentation emerged from observers of the rollout, including one video clearly depicting a Tesla robotaxi abruptly braking on two separate occasions without obvious cause; notably, in both instances, the vehicle slowed dramatically after approaching stationary police cars positioned just off the roadway.
Responding swiftly to these reports, the NHTSA confirmed its outreach to Tesla in an effort to gather additional information. In a statement, the agency emphasized its commitment to ensuring vehicle safety on U.S. roadways, highlighting that vehicle manufacturers bear the responsibility of certifying their compliance with established safety standards. The NHTSA does not grant pre-approval for new technology but holds the authority to investigate safety incidents and initiate corrective actions as necessary.
Tesla’s robotaxi rides currently still include an employee seated in the front passenger seat acting as a safety monitor. As the situation progresses, regulatory oversight and scrutiny will likely intensify, reflecting the high stakes involved in deploying truly autonomous vehicles on public roads.
