The U.S. safety regulator has given Tesla until September 30 to answer questions about its robotaxi certification process, intensifying scrutiny of self‑driving technology.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Tuesday that Tesla must respond to a series of inquiries by September 30 regarding the self‑certification of its autonomous Cybercab robotaxi. The regulator is probing whether the company adhered to required safety standards and disclosure protocols before deploying the vehicle for public use.
Tesla’s Cybercab program, touted as a breakthrough in autonomous ride‑hailing, has faced criticism from industry analysts who argue that self‑certification could bypass essential third‑party safety evaluations. NHTSA’s investigation seeks to determine if Tesla’s internal processes meet federal guidelines and to assess any potential risks to passengers and other road users.
The outcome of the inquiry could have far‑reaching implications for the broader autonomous vehicle industry, potentially prompting stricter oversight and new regulatory frameworks for self‑driving technologies. Stakeholders are watching closely as the case may set a precedent for how future robotaxi services are vetted and approved.