NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Tesla Cybercab Safety Compliance

Barchart·09/04/2026 19:32:07

Federal regulators opened an investigation into Tesla ($TSLA)'s Cybercab to examine whether the steering-wheel- and pedal-free robotaxi complies with federal motor vehicle safety standards, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The investigation opened September 3 as Tesla began commercial Cybercab deployment in Austin, Texas.

• Tesla told NHTSA it self-certified the Cybercab as compliant with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
• NHTSA will examine the process and technical data Tesla relied on when certifying the vehicle.
• The agency will also consider whether Tesla determined that certain federal safety standards do not apply to the Cybercab.
• The Cybercab lacks permanently attached conventional manual controls, including a steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal and mirrors.
• Tesla told NHTSA it plans to gradually expand Cybercab commercial deployment to additional vehicles and locations.
• Amazon-owned Zoox previously underwent a similar NHTSA review before receiving a temporary federal exemption for its purpose-built robotaxi.

Relevant Companies

• Tesla ($TSLA) - NHTSA is directly reviewing the federal safety certification underlying its Cybercab deployment.

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.

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