The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into Tesla’s new robotaxi service after spotting videos online that show one self-driving car using the wrong lane and another speeding. These incidents have raised safety questions as Tesla recently launched a limited paid robotaxi program in Austin, Texas, deploying around a dozen autonomous vehicles.
NHTSA said it is aware of these events and is in contact with Tesla to get more details. The agency regularly asks carmakers for information when there are reports of unusual behavior with advanced driver assistance or automated driving systems.
Tesla’s robotaxi service started on Sunday and operates with some restrictions. For example, the company avoids sending cars out in bad weather or tricky intersections and does not allow passengers under 18. Despite these precautions, NHTSA is reviewing Tesla’s responses about how the robotaxis perform in poor weather and other conditions.
This is not the first time the agency has investigated Tesla’s self-driving technology. Since last October, NHTSA has been probing crashes involving Tesla vehicles using Full Self-Driving (FSD) software when visibility was low. The investigation covers 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four collisions were reported, including one fatal crash in 2023.
Tesla has not publicly commented on the inquiry. However, the company has told NHTSA that its answers regarding robotaxi safety should remain confidential.
NHTSA emphasized that although it does not approve new vehicle technologies before they hit the road, it requires manufacturers to certify their cars meet safety standards. If issues arise, the agency steps in to investigate potential safety problems.
As self-driving technology moves forward, this scrutiny highlights the challenges and concerns around putting autonomous vehicles on public streets. Both regulators and companies like Tesla are under pressure to ensure these technologies are safe for everyone.