12:33Machine-translated from Azerbaijani by AIRead in Azerbaijani
Are Tesla Robotaxis Speeding in School Zones? US Investigates
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating claims that Tesla robotaxis are exceeding speed limits in active school zones. The agency has launched a preliminary review to determine whether a formal investigation is necessary. The review concerns 2026 model-year Model Y and Cybercab vehicles and covers approximately 1,000 robotaxis.
The complaint was submitted to NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation on September 23, 2026. According to the allegation, the vehicles exceed posted speed limits in active school zones while the automated driving system is operating. Links to 3 videos were included as evidence. So far, 4 incidents have been reported, but there have been no reports of crashes, injuries or deaths. Tesla began offering public passenger rides in Austin with the Cybercab on September 3. That same day, NHTSA launched a separate review into how the vehicle complies with federal safety requirements. The Cybercab lacks traditional controls such as a steering wheel, pedals and side mirrors. Nevertheless, the company has certified that the vehicle complies with current standards. NHTSA is examining the technical information Tesla relied on to demonstrate that the Cybercab complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Some rules require vehicles to have a steering wheel and pedals. Amendments developed for driverless vehicles have not yet been approved. Amazon-owned Zoox was granted a temporary exemption from certain rules in July. Under this authorization, the company may put up to 2,500 robotaxis on the road each year for 2 years. NHTSA is also separately investigating Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system. This investigation concerns traffic violations such as running red lights and driving against the flow of traffic. The process is separate from the new school-zone review and more broadly covers the company’s automated driving technology. Tesla has not commented on the latest allegations. Waymo has also previously faced investigations involving robotaxis operating near schools. Last year, NHTSA launched an investigation into vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. Waymo recalled more than 3,000 vehicles that month, but similar incidents are said to have continued afterward. Earlier this year, the agency opened a separate investigation into a Waymo robotaxi that struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica.
The complaint was submitted to NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation on September 23, 2026. According to the allegation, the vehicles exceed posted speed limits in active school zones while the automated driving system is operating. Links to 3 videos were included as evidence. So far, 4 incidents have been reported, but there have been no reports of crashes, injuries or deaths. Tesla began offering public passenger rides in Austin with the Cybercab on September 3. That same day, NHTSA launched a separate review into how the vehicle complies with federal safety requirements. The Cybercab lacks traditional controls such as a steering wheel, pedals and side mirrors. Nevertheless, the company has certified that the vehicle complies with current standards. NHTSA is examining the technical information Tesla relied on to demonstrate that the Cybercab complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Some rules require vehicles to have a steering wheel and pedals. Amendments developed for driverless vehicles have not yet been approved. Amazon-owned Zoox was granted a temporary exemption from certain rules in July. Under this authorization, the company may put up to 2,500 robotaxis on the road each year for 2 years. NHTSA is also separately investigating Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system. This investigation concerns traffic violations such as running red lights and driving against the flow of traffic. The process is separate from the new school-zone review and more broadly covers the company’s automated driving technology. Tesla has not commented on the latest allegations. Waymo has also previously faced investigations involving robotaxis operating near schools. Last year, NHTSA launched an investigation into vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. Waymo recalled more than 3,000 vehicles that month, but similar incidents are said to have continued afterward. Earlier this year, the agency opened a separate investigation into a Waymo robotaxi that struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica.