Tesla Robotaxis Under Scrutiny for Alleged Speeding in School Zones

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a preliminary probe into approximately 1,000 Tesla Cybercab and Model Y vehicles equipped with self-driving capabilities, according to a notice on the agency's website. This investigation stems from a complaint alleging that these self-driving taxis have been observed speeding in active school zones on at least four separate occasions, with video footage reportedly provided as evidence.

The NHTSA has not yet determined whether to proceed with a full-scale investigation. This probe represents the latest challenge for Tesla's highly anticipated rollout of fully autonomous vehicles.

Tesla began a limited rollout of its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, late last year, with human drivers still present in the vehicles. More recently, the company introduced its driverless Cybercab, a model that notably lacks traditional controls such as a steering wheel or brake pedals.

Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has positioned the Cybercab as a crucial element for the company's future growth and a key focus in its advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics, especially amidst declining sales of Tesla's electric cars.

In September, the NHTSA launched a separate investigation into whether Tesla had properly certified its autonomous Cybercabs after recordings emerged of the vehicles operating on Austin streets.

Tesla is not the only autonomous vehicle company facing scrutiny over its operations. Waymo, a leading robotaxi operator owned by Alphabet, has also encountered safety concerns, including issues related to school zones. The NHTSA investigated Waymo last year following reports that its self-driving cars might have failed to adequately slow down or stop for school buses. Additionally, in January, a Waymo vehicle was involved in an incident where it struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica. The child sustained minor injuries, and Waymo reported that the child was able to walk after the incident and that the company had contacted emergency services.

Tesla has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the current investigation.