Federal safety regulators are reviewing claims that Tesla's robotaxis exceed speed limits in active school zones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began inspecting a defect petition on Friday after receiving a request for review in late September. The agency will evaluate the petitioner's claims and determine whether to initiate a formal investigation.
The petition alleges that approximately 1,000 Model Y Robotaxis and Cybercabs have been reported to exceed posted speed limits in school zones. The petition reportedly includes three video links as evidence and is associated with four incidents: one complaint filed with the agency and three social media reports. The filing does not mention any crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to the reported incidents.
An NHTSA petition review does not confirm that Tesla's robotaxis violated laws or that their driving systems are defective. The NHTSA allows anyone to submit a petition, and the agency is required to review the allegations within 120 days to decide if a probe is necessary. The outcome of any formal investigation will determine whether the vehicle manufacturer may face a recall or other actions.
In 2024, the NHTSA examined Tesla's Full Self-Driving system following reports of traffic violations. More recently, it began reviewing technical data used to certify the Cybercab, which does not have a steering wheel or pedals.
Waymo robotaxis have also been subject to formal inquiries after incidents involving illegal maneuvers, including passing stopped school buses and striking a 9-year-old outside an elementary school in California.