Tesla’s recent Robotaxi debut in Austin, Texas, has immediately sparked fresh safety questions for the automaker, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requesting information. The US’s main transportation safety regulator has acted swiftly after videos surfaced showing the self-driving vehicles driving erratically, including instances of speeding and veering into the wrong lane. This immediate oversight highlights the stringent safety expectations for autonomous technology.
The initial, limited rollout of Tesla’s Robotaxis was heavily promoted, featuring pro-Tesla influencers showcasing the paid ride service. However, the footage intended to create positive buzz has instead become a focal point 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.
Among the most concerning videos is one shared by a Tesla investor, which 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.
