US Regulators Investigate Tesla Robotaxi Traffic Violations
Tesla's recent launch of a paid robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, has caught the attention of federal safety agencies amid multiple reports of the autonomous vehicles breaking traffic rules. Video footage shared on social media shows Tesla's driverless Model Ys speeding and driving in wrong lanes, raising questions about road safety.
Speeding and Dangerous Lane Changes
In one viral clip, a Tesla robotaxi was captured accelerating to 35 miles per hour just after passing a 30 mph speed limit sign. Another video features the car swerving into an oncoming lane at an intersection, disregarding clear lane markings and creating a hazardous situation. Observers also reported the vehicle hesitating before making turns, sometimes crossing double-yellow lines that should never be crossed.
Regulatory Response and Stock Impact
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed it is looking into these incidents, obtaining information from Tesla as part of a careful assessment. While such interactions don’t always lead to formal investigations, the agency assured that any necessary safety actions will be taken to protect road users.
Following news of NHTSA's inquiry, Tesla’s shares dipped by as much as 1.4% in after-hours trading, reflecting investor caution amid emerging concerns.
Riders Share Mixed Experiences
Early customers of Tesla’s robotaxi have shared their firsthand experiences online, highlighting both promising and problematic moments. One rider documented the vehicle's reluctance at a left-turn-only lane before driving into an opposing traffic lane. Another YouTuber noted the car's speed slightly exceeding the limit but moving in line with surrounding traffic, sparking debate on balancing safety and traffic flow.
In a separate incident, passengers struggled when the vehicle failed to safely pull over after a request via the onboard control system, stopping instead in the middle of the road. Only after multiple communications with remote support was the Tesla robotaxi able to proceed to the correct destination.
Ongoing Safety Evaluation
NHTSA continues its broader evaluation of Tesla's autonomous driving technology, specifically the Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite, including how it performs under challenging conditions like glare, dust, or fog. Tesla, meanwhile, remains optimistic, with CEO Elon Musk celebrating the robotaxi launch as a successful milestone.
Despite the early hiccups, industry analysts have largely praised the initial rollout as relatively calm, though they acknowledge that close monitoring is essential as this pioneering technology evolves.
Community and Authority Reaction
The Austin Police Department and city officials reported receiving no formal safety complaints related to Tesla's robotaxi service during its debut weekend. Yet, the visible issues on public streets have stirred public debate over the readiness of autonomous vehicles for widespread use.
What Lies Ahead for Tesla’s Autonomous Service?
Tesla’s ambitious robotaxi program marks a significant step towards a driverless future, but real-world trials have exposed operational challenges that must be swiftly addressed. As regulators keep a watchful eye, Tesla will need to demonstrate robust safety and reliability to gain broader trust and acceptance on busy city roads.
