The US’s main transportation safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has opened a preliminary inquiry into Tesla’s new Robotaxi service following the release of videos showing cars driving erratically. The agency is requesting information from Tesla after footage of the Austin, Texas, launch depicted autonomous vehicles exceeding speed limits and veering into wrong lanes. This immediate oversight highlights the rigorous standards for self-driving technology.
Tesla had orchestrated a high-profile, limited rollout of its Robotaxis, with pro-Tesla influencers actively promoting the paid ride service. However, the very videos intended to showcase the technology’s prowess inadvertently highlighted its shortcomings, revealing instances where the autonomous cars struggled to adhere to traffic regulations. The NHTSA’s swift response underscores its vigilance in ensuring road safety.
One video, posted by a Tesla investor, clearly showed a Robotaxi misjudging a left turn, entering a lane for oncoming traffic, and then crossing a double yellow line to return to the correct lane. Another clip featured a pro-Tesla YouTuber commending the vehicle for driving “several miles per hour over the speed limit,” directly contravening traffic laws. These widely shared incidents have fueled concerns about the system’s readiness.
Elon Musk has repeatedly emphasized the Robotaxi program as central to Tesla’s future, predicting widespread autonomous operation. However, with a notable decline in sales and profits in early 2025, this new NHTSA investigation, coupled with an existing probe into Tesla’s “Full-Self Driving” mode, intensifies the scrutiny on the company’s ability to deliver on its ambitious autonomous driving promises safely and reliably.