Tesla Cybercab Faces NHTSA Audit Over Safety Certification
Federal regulators launched an investigation into Tesla's certification process for the steering wheel-free vehicle immediately after passenger operations began.
Tesla's latest vehicle model has drawn regulatory scrutiny from its first day of commercial operation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated an investigation into how Tesla obtained certification for the Cybercab, with the probe commencing on the date passenger service launched in Austin.
The investigation centers on the vehicle's most distinctive design feature: the complete absence of traditional driver controls. The Cybercab operates without a steering wheel, pedals, or conventional manual operation systems, marking a significant departure from existing automotive standards and raising questions about how such a vehicle cleared safety certification requirements.
The timing of the federal audit underscores the heightened regulatory attention surrounding autonomous vehicles without manual override capabilities. As Tesla moves forward with commercial deployment of its driverless offering, the investigation signals that regulators intend to examine the certification process closely during this critical early phase of operation.