TL;DR
- The U.S. NHTSA has contacted Tesla regarding erratic driving behavior from its newly launched robotaxis.
- Videos showing the vehicles speeding and violating traffic laws have emerged on social media.
- This robotaxi rollout is part of Tesla's broader strategy to dominate the autonomous vehicle market.
- Analysts and experts raise concerns about Tesla's safety amid a lack of regulatory oversight.
U.S. Safety Regulators Contact Tesla Over Erratic Robotaxis
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reached out to Tesla following the launch of its long-anticipated robotaxi service, which was marred by reports and videos of erratic vehicle behavior. These incidents come just after Tesla's initial trials on public roads in Austin, Texas, marking a significant moment in the company's quest to revolutionize the transportation industry with autonomous vehicles.
Erratic Behavior Caught on Video
Shortly after the rollout of the robotaxis, multiple videos surfaced online depicting concerning behavior from the self-driving vehicles, which included instances of speeding and driving in the wrong lane. Other reports highlighted a robotaxi abruptly stopping in the middle of the road when approaching a stationary police vehicle[^1].
The NHTSA has stated that it is "aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information," reflecting the federal agency's role in ensuring the safety of emerging vehicular technologies[^2].
Context of the Robotaxi Launch
Tesla's robotaxi initiative is central to CEO Elon Musk's vision for the company’s future, aiming to position Tesla as a leader in the self-driving segment. During the launch, a small group of invited guests—including analysts and influencers—participated in paid rides, which were described as "low key." Musk touted this event as the culmination of a decade's worth of work by Tesla's AI and chip design teams[^3].
However, despite the company's optimism, analysts note that the limited launch of just 12 robotaxis highlights the challenges Tesla faces in catching up to competitors like Waymo and Zoox, which are already offering reliable self-driving taxi services in key markets[^4] [^5].
Regulatory Challenges and Safety Concerns
The federal government's oversight of autonomous vehicle technology has been criticized as insufficient, raising questions about the safety of Tesla's robotaxis. Critics point to the lack of preemptive regulations that allow companies like Tesla to operate with considerable latitude while conducting real-world tests[^3].
The NHTSA traditionally investigates incidents involving autonomous vehicles to ensure compliance with safety standards; however, it is also recognized that the agency's resources have been stretched thin, especially after significant staffing cuts[^4]. This regulatory vacuum may embolden Tesla's operations as it pushes for rapid deployment of its robotaxi fleet.
Furthermore, the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Tesla’s safety practices has intensified, particularly as the NHTSA investigates other serious incidents involving its Full Self-Driving technology[^5] [^6]. Tesla has also reportedly claimed that information regarding its robotaxi performance is “confidential business information,” invoking federal protections to prevent public disclosure of safety data[^6].
Conclusion
Tesla's ambitious push into the autonomous vehicle market is facing immediate scrutiny from safety regulators, bringing attention to the vital issues of safety and accountability in the rush toward self-driving technologies. As Tesla rolls out its robotaxis amid accusations of erratic performance, the NHTSA's engagement may shape the future of not only Tesla but the entire autonomous vehicle landscape.
The discussions around safety, public trust, and regulatory compliance will remain pivotal as the industry evolves. The looming question remains: Can Tesla ensure the safety of its vehicles as it ventures deeper into uncharted technological territories?
References
[^1]: Charlotte Edwards (2025). "US safety regulators contact Tesla over erratic robotaxis". BBC News. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
[^2]: "U.S. safety regulators contact Tesla over erratic robotaxis". (2025). "AOL News". AOL. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
[^3]: "Tesla’s robotaxis are operating in a regulatory vacuum". (2025). "The Verge". The Verge. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
[^4]: "Tesla robotaxi incidents draw scrutiny from U.S. safety agency". (2025). "Detroit News". Detroit News. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
[^5]: "Tesla tells feds to stay tight-lipped on robotaxi safety data". (2025). "Inside EVs". InsideEVs. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
[^6]: "Government Alarmed by Videos of Tesla Robotaxis Immediately". (2025). "Futurism". Futurism. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
Keywords: Tesla, robotaxi, NHTSA, erratic driving, autonomous vehicles, safety regulations, self-driving technology