Tesla’s Cybercab, a unique two-passenger vehicle that lacks a steering wheel or pedals, is beginning to transport members of the public across two states. However, the introduction of the robotaxi has immediately triggered scrutiny from U.S. federal authorities, who are examining whether the car complies with current safety regulations.
The investigation follows hours after Tesla hosted hundreds of enthusiasts in downtown Austin for inaugural rides in the autonomous cabs. The company intends to integrate these vehicles into its Robotaxi network, which currently serves select cities in Texas and Florida.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is in the process of revising vehicle standards to facilitate the faster deployment of driverless cars on public roads. The agency is currently adjusting eight specific rules, including those that mandate components such as brake pedals, windshield wipers, and rearview mirrors. Despite these ongoing updates, the existing decades-old standards remain in effect for now.
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