Federal Authorities Request Tesla to Elaborate on Their Strategies Regarding Robotaxi Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has escalated its investigation into Tesla's self-driving technology and the upcoming Robotaxi service, expressing growing concerns over safety issues[1]. The inquiry, which started in 2024, has been prompted by a series of accidents and fatalities linked to Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system[2].
The focus of the investigation is on collisions that occur in poor visibility conditions, such as fog, rain, dust, or darkness[1]. Tesla is required to disclose the names and system details of the software used for robotaxi operations, along with their classification under SAE driving automation levels[1]. Failure to comply could result in daily fines of up to $27,874 per violation, with maximum penalties reaching nearly $140 million[1].
Tesla's methods for monitoring the vehicles will include real-time supervision and remote assistance[1]. The company's plans for testing and deployment will also be scrutinised, including the number of vehicles they plan to use in the first year and whether they will seek exemptions from U.S. vehicle safety standards[1].
The NHTSA is particularly interested in understanding how Tesla ensures the robotaxis perform safely in emergency situations, such as accidents, system failures, or interactions with first responders[1]. The agency is also seeking clarification on Tesla's timeline for expanding the service and whether it realistically meets the company's stated goal of launching robotaxis by 2026[1].
The information request, which was addressed to Tesla's Director of Field Quality, also demands technical descriptions of the sensors, cameras, computers, and safety systems used in the robotaxi program[1]. The letter further inquires about Tesla's procedures for determining whether its system is safe enough for public use, how it tracks disengagements or human interventions, and how it plans to continuously monitor robotaxi performance once deployed[1].
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given Tesla until June 19, 2025, to respond to the information request[1]. The letter, dated May 8, 2025, was made public today[1]. The investigation underscores the NHTSA's commitment to ensuring compliance with federal vehicle safety rules and its readiness to act if a safety defect is found[1].
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/10/tesla-faces-intensified-nhtsa-scrutiny-over-self-driving-tech-and-robotaxi-service.html [2] https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/01/tesla-faces-growing-safety-concerns-as-fatal-crashes-linked-to-self-driving-system-rise.html
The investigation initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is delving into the safety aspects of Tesla's self-driving technology, particularly focusing on its Robotaxi service, in relation to the automotive industry and technology. The NHTSA is seeking information about the software, sensors, cameras, computers, and safety systems used in Tesla's robotaxi program, and is keen on understanding how Tesla ensures its vehicles perform safely in emergency situations, including those involving finance, such as adherence to federal vehicle safety rules and penalties for non-compliance.
