Tesla Robotaxis Probed After Austin Violations
Tesla’s new robotaxi service has quickly caught the attention of federal safety officials. Just one day after launching its autonomous ride service in Austin, Texas, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reached out to Tesla about safety concerns. This is now a major topic in Daily news highlights, as the public and regulators raise questions about the safety of self-driving vehicles.
The NHTSA responded after several videos went viral online, showing Tesla robotaxis breaking traffic laws in South Austin. These cars, which drive themselves without a driver actively controlling them, were seen speeding and even driving in the wrong lane. The situation has raised alarms about whether these robotaxis are safe for public roads.
What Happened in Austin?
On Sunday, Tesla officially started offering rides to selected customers in South Austin. This small test was meant to show the progress of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Unlike earlier versions, these robotaxis were running an unsupervised version of FSD, meaning the car is supposed to operate entirely on its own.
Even though a human “safety monitor” sits in the front passenger seat, the car does most of the driving. Customers can book rides using a mobile app, making the experience similar to ride-hailing services like Uber.
However, within hours of the launch, many videos appeared on social media showing the robotaxis behaving dangerously. One video showed the car swerving into the wrong lane. Another showed a robotaxi suddenly braking for no reason, especially when passing parked police vehicles.
What the NHTSA Said
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed that it is now speaking with Tesla to collect more information. In an official email, the agency stated:
“NHTSA is aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information. We will continue to enforce laws under the Vehicle Safety Act.”
The agency also reminded the public that in the U.S., new vehicle technologies are not pre-approved. Instead, carmakers like Tesla must certify that their vehicles meet strict safety standards. If NHTSA finds that any feature or system poses a safety risk, they have the power to investigate further and take necessary actions.
What Is Full Self-Driving?
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is still considered a driver-assist tool, not a fully autonomous system. While it can handle steering, braking, and lane changes, drivers are still legally required to keep their hands on the wheel and be ready to take over.
But Tesla’s robotaxis are running a different, unsupervised version of FSD software. So far, Tesla has not shared detailed information about this version with the public or safety officials.
Author and tech expert Ed Niedermeyer, who was in Austin to monitor the rollout, reported on a video showing a robotaxi braking twice for no clear reason. The car slowed down when approaching police cars parked near the road, even though there were no obstacles.
Concerns Growing Among the Public
Many people are now concerned about what this test launch means for the future of autonomous cars. Safety experts argue that while technology is improving, it may not be ready to replace human drivers on busy public roads. Misjudging a simple situation—like parked police cars—could lead to dangerous results.
Meanwhile, Tesla fans believe this is the future of transportation and say the bugs will be fixed over time. But for now, the company must work closely with federal regulators and prove that its new tech is safe for everyone.
This is a major moment in the world of self-driving technology. As Tesla’s robotaxis roll out, the spotlight from the government and the public will only get stronger. The Breaking News coverage of these early problems highlights the challenges ahead for Tesla and the whole autonomous car industry.
