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NHTSA Presses Tesla for Robotaxi Safety Details Ahead of Austin Launch

The agency seeks clarity on Tesla’s plans for its June robotaxi deployment, focusing on low-visibility safety measures and operational oversight.

The logo of Tesla is seen on a store in Paris, France, October 30, 2020. REUTERS/Charles Platiau

Overview

  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has formally requested Tesla to provide detailed information on its planned June launch of a robotaxi service in Austin, Texas.
  • NHTSA's inquiry focuses on safety protocols for operating in low-visibility conditions, such as fog, rain, and sun glare, as part of its ongoing investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology.
  • The agency has asked Tesla to disclose the size of the robotaxi fleet, the deployment timetable, and whether the vehicles will be supervised in real time during operation.
  • Additional details requested include the sensor and camera systems used for safe operation, as well as Tesla's compliance with industry standards for autonomous driving systems.
  • The investigation into Tesla’s FSD technology, launched in October 2024, covers 2.4 million vehicles and follows multiple crashes, including two fatal incidents in 2023 and 2024.