The long-awaited Tesla robotaxi launch in Austin, Texas, has drawn swift attention from federal safety regulators following multiple reports of traffic violations on day one. Several videos have hit social media that appear to show Tesla’s autonomous vehicles breaking traffic laws. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed it is now reviewing the reports and other relevant information and will take the appropriate actions “to protect road safety.”
As reported by Bloomberg, the new videos include footage of a self-driving Tesla Model Y attempting to turn from a left-turn-only lane before hesitating, crossing into an unoccupied lane against the flow of traffic, then crossing a double-yellow line and returning to right side of the road. Other videos document the Tesla robotaxis exceeding posted speed limits, including traveling at 35 mph in a 30 mph zone and 39 mph in a 35 mph zone.
Compounding the concerns is a rider report stating that passengers attempted to prompt the vehicle to pull over using the rear screen. However, rather than pulling safely to the curb, the Model Y stopped in the middle of the roadway.
Although the NHTSA has yet to open a formal investigation, it may do so if it deems necessary. Neither Tesla nor the Austin Police Department has publicly commented on the reported incidents. A city official noted that no formal safety complaints had been lodged over the weekend, despite the videos. Tesla CEO Elon Musk hailed the robotaxi rollout as a success, congratulating employees.
In April, the NHTSA introduced the Automated Vehicle Framework (AV Framework), a national set of guidelines designed to override conflicting state laws and promote the commercial rollout of AVs. The framework seeks to ensure safety while eliminating outdated regulations that could hinder technology development. It also includes exemptions for non-compliant vehicles and eases reporting standards for AV-related crashes.
Meanwhile, GM has shifted its AV strategy. Late in 2024, GM announced it would no longer pursue its robotaxi goals, instead redirecting its autonomous efforts and investment towards personal vehicles equipped with technologies like Super Cruise, GM’s semi-autonomous hands-free driving system.
Comments
Sounds a lot like a NYC taxi driver, but 50% less as bad. I’ve had a taxi driver go 90 on a highway beeping non stop, had one fall asleep while driving (I got the hell out). You need to comp this to the status quo, not your perfect world.
Wouldn’t happen if they had the GM 3800.
Teslas are crap and the top crap is the Cybertruck!
ALL evs are crap. but teslas are the worst and the cybertruck is the worst made vehicle of all time except the pinto. I’ll never use a taxi that drives itself unless it’s got LIDAR and a driver supervising it in a control center. Tesla is going to be bankrupt in 2030!