Tesla’s robotaxis have already caught the attention of federal safety regulators
Tesla’s ambitious foray into robotaxi services in Austin has swiftly drawn the attention of federal safety regulators, just a day after the automaker commenced providing rides to invited customers. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated contact with Tesla following the emergence of numerous online videos purportedly showing the autonomous vehicles committing traffic violations in South Austin.
The development was first reported by Bloomberg, with TechCrunch subsequently confirming that NHTSA has indeed reached out to the automaker. These alleged violations include instances of Tesla robotaxis exceeding speed limits and, in at least one documented case, swerving into the wrong lane, raising immediate concerns about public safety and the maturity of the technology.
In an emailed statement, NHTSA confirmed its engagement with Tesla, stating, “NHTSA is aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information.” The agency further underscored its commitment to enforcing the Vehicle Safety Act, explaining that while it does not pre-approve new technologies, manufacturers are responsible for certifying their vehicles meet rigorous safety standards. NHTSA’s role then involves investigating incidents involving potential safety defects and taking necessary actions to protect road safety.
Tesla launched its paid robotaxi rides on Sunday, June 22, 2025, marking a significant, albeit limited, real-world test for its autonomous vehicle technology. While Tesla offers its “Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised” software to vehicle owners—an advanced driver-assistance system that still requires active driver supervision—the robotaxis are equipped with an unsupervised version of FSD. These vehicles are designed to operate autonomously, though they currently include a human “safety monitor” positioned in the front passenger seat during rides.
Compelling video evidence has surfaced online, capturing some of the aforementioned irregularities. One notable clip, shared on X.com, reportedly shows a Tesla robotaxi swerving unexpectedly into the wrong lane. Additionally, Ed Niedermeyer, author of “Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors,” who was on-site in Austin to observe the rollout, captured footage of a Tesla robotaxi engaging its brakes abruptly on two separate occasions without apparent cause. This video, later posted on YouTube, revealed that both sudden braking incidents occurred as the Tesla approached police vehicles situated in parking lot driveways adjacent to the roadway, prompting questions about the system’s recognition and response capabilities in complex scenarios.
The swift regulatory scrutiny highlights the critical balance between technological innovation and public safety as autonomous vehicles begin to integrate into daily life. As Tesla continues its robotaxi pilot, the ongoing dialogue with NHTSA will be crucial in ensuring the deployment of safe and reliable autonomous transportation solutions.
