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Federal Regulators Scrutinize Tesla Robotaxis After Traffic Violations in Austin
Austin, TX – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an inquiry into Tesla’s robotaxi program following reports and social media videos showing the autonomous vehicles committing traffic violations in Austin.
The NHTSA confirmed it is in contact with Tesla to gather information about the incidents. In a statement, the agency emphasized its commitment to enforcing vehicle safety standards for all manufacturers and reiterated that no new vehicle technologies are pre-approved.
Manufacturers are responsible for certifying that their vehicles meet all applicable safety regulations. The NHTSA investigates potential safety defects and takes appropriate action to protect road safety.
Videos circulating online appear to show Tesla robotaxis driving on the wrong side of the road after failing to execute turns, driving past designated destinations, braking abruptly in traffic, and reacting to parked police vehicles outside their intended path.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently announced the limited launch of the robotaxi program in Austin, utilizing Model Y SUVs equipped with the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and hardware. The initial rollout involves fewer than two dozen vehicles operating during daylight hours with a human safety monitor in the passenger seat.
While the announcement initially boosted Tesla’s stock price, the program’s debut has fallen short of Musk’s previous predictions regarding fully autonomous driving capabilities. Over the years, Musk has made several ambitious pronouncements about Tesla’s autonomous driving timeline, which have not materialized as projected.
The incident comes as Tesla faces increased scrutiny in the burgeoning robotaxi market. Competitor Waymo, also operating in Austin, claims to have completed millions of paid trips, though it too has faced challenges, including a voluntary recall in 2024 after one of its vehicles was involved in an accident.