The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla’s recently launched Robotaxi service, spurred by influencer videos showing the autonomous vehicles driving erratically. The US’s primary transportation safety regulator is now requesting information from Tesla following footage from the Austin, Texas, debut that depicted cars exceeding speed limits and veering into incorrect lanes. This immediate regulatory attention underscores the scrutiny surrounding new autonomous technologies.
Tesla had heavily promoted the initial, limited rollout, strategically employing pro-Tesla influencers to share their experiences with the paid ride service. However, the very content intended to generate positive publicity has inadvertently drawn the attention of the NHTSA, as the videos reveal apparent difficulties in the Robotaxis complying with established traffic laws. The agency’s proactive stance is a testament to its commitment to public safety.
Among the troubling videos is one showing a Robotaxi misjudging a left turn, briefly entering a lane intended for oncoming traffic, and then correcting its course over a double yellow line. Another clip features a pro-Tesla YouTuber openly praising the car for traveling “several miles per hour over the speed limit.” These incidents underscore the current limitations and potential hazards of the system.
This new regulatory hurdle comes as Tesla faces a period of declining sales and a significant drop in first-quarter profits for 2025. With Elon Musk heavily invested in the Robotaxi program as the future of the company, this NHTSA inquiry, along with an existing investigation into Tesla’s “Full-Self Driving” mode, intensifies the pressure on the automaker to prove the safety and reliability of its autonomous aspirations.