US regulators open probe into Tesla's two-seat Cybercab safety compliance

Tesla has begun limited public rides with its Cybercab, a two-seat vehicle that lacks a steering wheel, brake pedals and other traditional controls, in Austin, Texas and another state. The rollout coincides with a federal audit that will examine whether the model satisfies current vehicle safety regulations.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reviewing the data and processes Tesla used to certify the Cybercab, according to a filing that describes the review as an "Audit Query." NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said the agency "fully supports the safe development and deployment of automated vehicles. But as the federal regulator, we need to ensure that all of our laws are followed."

While NHTSA is revising eight rules to accommodate driverless technology, existing standards still require components such as brake pedals, windshield wipers and rear-view mirrors. Other robotaxi firms, including Amazon-owned Zoox, have been required to obtain exemptions before carrying passengers. Tesla maintains that its Cybercab already complies with all applicable standards and therefore does not need an exemption.

Experts note that the investigation reflects growing tension between the regulator and Tesla. Ann Carlson, a former acting NHTSA administrator and UCLA professor, said the audit signals the agency's frustration with Tesla's approach to the exemption process.

NHTSA has the authority to mandate design changes, impose civil penalties or require third-party oversight if it finds violations. The outcome could affect Tesla's broader plan to expand the Cybercab fleet, which the company hopes to scale to millions of units annually.