Tesla robotaxis already probed over alleged traffic offenses

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is actively seeking information from Tesla following a series of incidents involving the company’s new robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. The agency’s inquiry was prompted by a wave of online videos showing Tesla’s autonomous vehicles engaging in potentially dangerous driving behaviors during their first days of commercial operation.

Among the most widely circulated clips are instances of a Tesla robotaxi entering the wrong lane, driving against traffic, and exceeding posted speed limits. In one video, a robotaxi is seen hesitating in a left-turn-only lane before swerving into an oncoming lane, only correcting its course after a nearby car honked its horn. Another video shows a robotaxi abruptly stopping in the middle of the road after encountering stationary police vehicles, while a separate incident involved the vehicle dropping off passengers in the middle of a busy intersection. There are also reports of the robotaxis accelerating beyond the speed limit, with one vehicle hitting 35 mph in a 30 mph zone.

NHTSA has confirmed it is aware of these incidents and is in contact with Tesla to gather additional information. The agency emphasized that it does not pre-approve new vehicle technologies; instead, manufacturers are required to self-certify that their vehicles meet federal safety standards. When incidents suggesting potential safety defects arise, NHTSA investigates and can take further action to protect public safety.

Tesla has not issued an official statement regarding the specific incidents, nor have Austin police reported any related safety complaints during the robotaxi’s initial weekend of operations. However, the company did request that NHTSA withhold its detailed responses to regulatory questions from public release, raising further questions about the transparency of the robotaxi’s operation and oversight.

This investigation comes at a critical time for Tesla, as the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is already under an open NHTSA investigation following previous reports of safety issues. Industry experts note that NHTSA’s scrutiny is standard practice whenever new autonomous vehicle technologies are deployed and public safety concerns arise. The outcome of this investigation could shape the regulatory landscape for autonomous vehicles in the U.S., especially as Tesla and other companies push to expand robotaxi services nationwide.

The incidents in Austin have reignited debate over whether Tesla’s autonomous technology is ready for widespread use. Supporters argue that real-world testing is essential for improving safety, while critics point to these early mistakes as evidence that more oversight and development are needed before fully driverless taxis become a common sight on American roads.

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