Tesla robotaxis face NHTSA probe over school zone speeding claims

• NHTSA is reviewing a defect petition concerning Tesla's robotaxis.
• The petition claims Tesla Model Y and Cybercab vehicles exceeded school zone speed limits.
• The probe was opened on Friday, with an estimated 1,000 vehicles potentially affected.
• No crashes or injuries have been reported in relation to the claim.
• Tesla has expanded its robotaxi services to other Texas cities and Florida.
• Waymo previously issued a recall after reports of its vehicles passing stopped school buses.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a defect-petition review into Tesla's robotaxi services, specifically concerning allegations of speeding in school zones. The probe, initiated on Friday, stems from a claim that 2026 Tesla Model Y robotaxis and Cybercabs exceeded speed limits while operating on their automated driving systems. An unnamed petitioner submitted three videos as evidence, and NHTSA will now assess the complaint to decide whether to launch a formal investigation.

While the agency's filing notes no reported crashes or injuries, it estimates that approximately 1,000 vehicles could be impacted. This scrutiny arrives as Tesla aims to significantly grow its robotaxi business, having expanded its Model Y robotaxi services beyond Austin to other Texas cities and Florida, and recently adding the steering-wheel-free Cybercab to its Austin fleet. CEO Elon Musk has been vocal about shifting Tesla's strategic focus towards self-driving technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

This is not the first time Tesla's self-driving technology has drawn federal attention. NHTSA previously opened an audit inquiry into the Cybercab's self-certification shortly after its service began in Austin. Rival robotaxi companies have also faced regulatory challenges in school zones. Last year, NHTSA initiated a preliminary investigation into Waymo following reports of its vehicles passing stopped school buses, which led Waymo to issue a voluntary recall in December. In January, a Waymo vehicle was involved in an incident where it struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California, resulting in minor injuries. Waymo stated that the vehicle had braked hard, reducing its speed significantly before the contact was made.