Tesla is facing an investigation from US regulators over claims its self-driving robotaxis have been speeding in school zones – the latest hurdle in its long-awaited rollout of fully autonomous vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it launched a preliminary probe into 1,000 Tesla Cybercabs and Model Y vehicles, which have a self-driving mode, from the 2026 model year, according to a notice on the agency’s site.
It stemmed from a complaint that the self-driving taxis have been caught speeding through active school zones in at least four incidents, including video footage as evidence, regulators said. The NHTSA has not yet decided whether to launch a full-fledged investigation.
Elon Musk’s automaker launched its highly-anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, Tex., late last year, though it was a limited rollout and the vehicles still required human drivers on-board.
The electric vehicle-maker followed up last month with its driverless Cybercab – a new model without traditional controls like a steering wheel or brake pedals.
Musk has billed the Cybercab as a key facet of the company’s long-term path to growth, as well as a focus on AI and robots, as Tesla has suffered with slumping sales of its electric cars – but it’s been a bumpy ride for robotaxis.
In September, the NHTSA launched another investigation into whether Tesla properly certified its autonomous Cybercabs, after the shiny gold vehicles were recorded driving around the streets of Austin.
Waymo – the leading robotaxi operator owned by Alphabet – has also raised several safety concerns, including issues with school zones.
The NHTSA similarly probed Waymo last year following reports its self-driving cars may have failed to fully slow or stop for school buses.
In January, Waymo again faced scrutiny after one of its self-driving vehicles struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica.
The child got up and walked to the sidewalk after the incident, and Waymo called 911, according to the company. The child had minor injuries.
Tesla did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
