Tesla’s robotaxis have already caught the attention of federal safety regulators

In a rapid response to Tesla's introduction of its robotaxi service in Austin, federal safety regulators have initiated contact with the automaker. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reached out after several online videos surfaced, showing Tesla's autonomous vehicles seemingly breaching traffic regulations in South Austin, where the service began catering to select customers. As reported by Bloomberg, NHTSA has confirmed its communication with Tesla. In a statement to TechCrunch, the agency acknowledged awareness of the incidents, stating, "NHTSA is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information." They emphasized their commitment to enforcing safety regulations for all vehicle manufacturers in alignment with the Vehicle Safety Act. Under existing U.S. law, NHTSA does not pre-approve new automotive technologies. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for certifying that their vehicles meet stringent safety standards. The agency investigates any incidents that may indicate safety defects. Following a thorough review of these reports, NHTSA will take appropriate actions to ensure public safety. Tesla's robotaxi service kicked off on Sunday, providing paid rides to a limited group of customers. This launch marks a significant milestone in testing the company's advanced autonomous driving technology. While Tesla sells its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software to vehicle owners, which assists with steering and braking under supervision, the robotaxis are equipped with an unsupervised variant of this technology, although specific details remain undisclosed. Customers can summon these robotaxis through an app, which are designed to operate independently. However, each vehicle has a human "safety monitor" seated in the front passenger seat during rides. Concerns have arisen as videos have emerged showing these robotaxis exceeding speed limits and, in one instance, veering into the wrong lane. Ed Niedermeyer, author of "Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors," shared footage capturing a Tesla robotaxi unexpectedly braking on two occasions without apparent cause. This footage, reviewed by TechCrunch, revealed that the vehicle braked as it approached police cars parked alongside the road.