US following up on possible Tesla robotaxi infractions

U.S. safety regulators have contacted Tesla following reports of erratic behavior from its self-driving cars during the initial rollout of its limited robotaxi service in Texas, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it is actively reviewing videos posted online that appear to show Tesla’s autonomous vehicles abruptly stopping, accelerating unexpectedly, or swerving into the wrong lane.

“NHTSA is aware of the incidents reported during Tesla’s robotaxi launch and is in contact with the company to obtain additional details,” the agency stated. It emphasized that while it does not "pre-approve" new technologies, it is responsible for ensuring vehicles meet federal safety standards and investigating potential defects. The agency stressed that it would take any necessary steps to safeguard public safety after assessing the reports.

Tesla’s highly anticipated robotaxi service began on Sunday near its headquarters in Austin, Texas, marking a significant step in the company’s push toward fully autonomous transportation. Elon Musk and his supporters believe the service could be a major catalyst for Tesla’s future growth. However, the rollout comes amid heightened scrutiny from regulators and a backdrop of strained relations between Musk and U.S. President Joe Biden's administration. Though Musk recently expressed regret over some of his public remarks, tensions between the tech billionaire and the federal government remain.

Meanwhile, the NHTSA’s investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, launched in October 2024, is still ongoing. The agency is currently reviewing the company's responses to inquiries related to that probe. However, Tesla has marked much of its submitted information as “confidential business information” under the Vehicle Safety Act, leading to significant portions being redacted from public records.

“Following our assessment of Tesla’s responses and other relevant information, NHTSA will determine whether further action is needed to ensure road safety,” the agency reiterated.

The robotaxi launch has reignited debates over the readiness of autonomous vehicle technology and the adequacy of current regulations. While Tesla claims its self-driving systems are designed to improve safety and efficiency, critics warn that premature deployment of such technology without thorough oversight could endanger drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.