The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla’s Robotaxi service following reports of traffic infractions during its debut in Austin.
Background
The investigation was prompted by social media videos showing Tesla’s Robotaxi violating traffic rules, including speeding and incorrect lane changes. One video posted by influencer Sawyer Merritt showed a Robotaxi exceeding the speed limit, while another video captured a Robotaxi driving into the wrong lane before correcting itself.
Incidents and Infractions
- A Robotaxi was filmed driving at 35 miles per hour, exceeding the 30-mile-per-hour speed limit indicated by a sign on the road.
- Another video showed a Robotaxi driving into the wrong lane before initiating corrective action to get back into the correct lane.
Regulatory Scrutiny
The NHTSA is gathering additional information about the incidents from Tesla and is aware of the possible traffic law violations. This news comes as Tesla was already under scrutiny from the regulatory agency, which was reviewing the company’s responses to questions about the Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology’s performance in poor weather conditions.
Tesla’s Response
Tesla has not immediately responded to requests for comment. The company had previously sought to keep its responses to the NHTSA’s inquiry private, citing fears that the responses contained confidential information that could be used by competitors to improve their own proprietary self-driving tech or advance driver assistance systems.
Expansion Plans
Despite the concerns raised, Tesla has reiterated that the FSD system’s capabilities can be deployed anywhere it’s been approved after the launch event in Austin. The company is moving forward with its expansion plans, with the Robotaxi service being a key part of its growth strategy.
Conclusion
The NHTSA’s investigation into Tesla’s Robotaxi service highlights the regulatory challenges facing the company as it expands its autonomous driving capabilities. As the service continues to roll out, Tesla will need to address concerns around safety and compliance to ensure the long-term success of its Robotaxi service.