Tesla has launched a small fleet of self-driving Robotaxis in Austin, Texas. These cars promise a future where driverless vehicles provide rides in cities worldwide. However, early videos from riders and influencers show concerning driving behavior. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now investigating Tesla’s Robotaxi program after seeing these clips.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Tesla debuted about 10 Robotaxis over a limited area in Austin. Each car had a safety driver in the front seat. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, celebrated the launch, claiming it will make driving safer. But videos posted online tell a different story.
One clip, from a Tesla investor and podcast host, shows a Robotaxi wobbling during a left turn, veering into the oncoming lane, and crossing a double yellow line before correcting itself. No oncoming vehicles were present, but the move still violates traffic rules. Another video features a YouTuber praising the car’s ability to speed several miles above the limit.
NHTSA confirms it is aware of these incidents and is in contact with Tesla. The agency requests more details about the Robotaxi’s behavior to understand potential safety risks. The NHTSA states that it does not pre-approve new driving technologies, but instead investigates after manufacturers certify their compliance with safety standards.
The Robotaxi program carries extra weight for Tesla as its sales and profits have dropped sharply in early 2025. Musk has bet heavily on autonomous driving to lead Tesla’s future. He predicts that millions of fully autonomous Teslas will be on the roads by late next year, a promise he has made before.
This is not Tesla’s only scrutiny from NHTSA. An ongoing investigation started in 2024 focuses on the safety of Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD) mode under poor visibility. This probe intensified after a fatal 2023 crash in Arizona involving a Tesla operating in autonomous mode.
NHTSA remains clear that it enforces safety laws across all vehicle makers based on data and risk assessments. It continues monitoring Tesla’s autonomous ventures closely.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Tesla’s Robotaxi launch demonstrates the company’s continued ambition in its autonomous vision, despite early setbacks. NHTSA’s investigation cautions the importance of rigorous safety checks as driverless cars transition to public roads. How Tesla addresses these concerns will shape public trust and regulatory approval.
The coming months will reveal whether Tesla’s driverless cars can meet safety expectations or face further hurdles. Meanwhile, the regulatory environment is tightening around emerging vehicle automation, with public safety as the priority.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech