NHTSA Investigates Tesla's Cybercab Deployment Without Manual Controls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla's recent deployment of its Cybercab in Austin, Texas. The Cybercab is notable for operating without a steering wheel or brake pedals, features typically required under federal vehicle safety regulations. Tesla began putting the Cybercab on public roads shortly before the investigation was announced. Federal rules mandate manual controls for vehicles, although the Department of Transportation has recently proposed changes that could exempt fully autonomous vehicles from these requirements. Tesla informed NHTSA that it self-certified the Cybercab as compliant with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), a process common among automakers. NHTSA's inquiry aims to review the technical data and certification process Tesla used, particularly examining whether certain federal standards were deemed irrelevant to the Cybercab. The agency's investigation reflects ongoing challenges in regulating emerging autonomous vehicle technologies and ensuring public safety. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.