The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is closely monitoring Tesla’s new Robotaxi service, requesting information from the company after public videos surfaced showing erratic driving behavior. The US’s main transportation safety regulator is responding to footage from the Austin, Texas, debut, which depicted autonomous vehicles exceeding speed limits and veering into wrong lanes. This swift regulatory action highlights the intense scrutiny on emerging autonomous technologies.
Tesla had orchestrated a high-profile, limited rollout of its Robotaxis, with pro-Tesla influencers showcasing the paid ride service. However, the very content intended to generate positive buzz has ironically become a key focus for the NHTSA, as the videos appear to demonstrate the Robotaxis’ struggles in complying with traffic laws. The agency’s awareness of these “referenced incidents” underscores the serious nature of its inquiry.
One particularly concerning video, shared by a Tesla investor, depicted a Robotaxi misjudging a left turn, briefly entering an opposing traffic lane, and then correcting its course over a double yellow line. Another clip showed a pro-Tesla YouTuber commending the car for driving “several miles per hour over the speed limit,” clearly indicating non-compliance with speed regulations. These incidents raise significant safety questions.
This latest regulatory challenge comes at a critical time for Tesla, as the company experiences declining sales and a substantial year-on-year profit drop in early 2025. With Elon Musk heavily promoting the Robotaxi program as the cornerstone of Tesla’s future, the NHTSA’s probe, alongside an existing investigation into “Full-Self Driving” safety, places immense pressure on the company to prove the reliability and safety of its autonomous vision.