U.S. safety regulator launches probe into Tesla's self-certified Cybercab
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an audit query into Tesla's certification of its driverless Cybercab, focusing on compliance with federal safety standards.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced an audit query into Tesla's self-certification of its Cybercab autonomous taxi, which began commercial operations in Austin, Texas. The agency said it will review the data and processes Tesla used to certify the vehicle, which lacks traditional controls such as a brake pedal, accelerator, steering wheel and mirrors, and determine whether certain Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are applicable.
Tesla told NHTSA that the Cybercab complies with all relevant FMVSS, but the regulator noted that certified vehicles must meet clear performance requirements, including brake controls, before they can be sold in the United States. NHTSA said it will examine how Tesla concluded that some standards do not apply to the vehicle.
"NHTSA 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," said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison.
The probe follows similar regulatory scrutiny of other driverless services, such as Amazon-owned Zoox, which received a limited exemption to operate vehicles without conventional cabin controls. NHTSA indicated that when certified vehicles appear not to meet required standards, it initiates investigations.