US auto safety agency reviewing Tesla answers on robotaxi deployment plans - Reuters

US auto safety agency reviewing Tesla answers on robotaxi deployment plans - Reuters

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently reviewing Tesla's response to its questions about the safety of its self-driving robotaxi service in poor weather conditions. This review comes ahead of Tesla's planned launch of the service in Austin, Texas, tentatively set for Sunday, June 22 [2].

Tesla has been testing its robotaxi service in Austin, with CEO Elon Musk indicating that the initial rollout will involve 10 vehicles, gradually increasing to 20, 30, and 40. Musk has emphasized that the company is being "super paranoid" about safety, and the launch date could shift based on developments [3].

The NHTSA has been investigating Tesla's full self-driving technology following several reported collisions, including a fatal crash in 2023. The agency has asked Tesla to explain how its robotaxis will safely operate in reduced visibility conditions such as sun glare, fog, rain, or snow. Tesla's response must be submitted by June 19, and any updates will be posted in the investigation file online [2].

In response to the NHTSA's letter, a group of Texas lawmakers sent a letter to Tesla urging the company to delay its robotaxi operations until the new state law takes effect on September 1, 2025. The new law requires commercial autonomous vehicle operators to receive prior authorization from the Department of Motor Vehicles before operating on public streets without a human driver [1].

Tesla has not yet responded to the NHTSA's request for comment, but the agency has received Tesla's response and is in the process of reviewing it. The public file will be updated once the review is complete [2].

The launch of Tesla's robotaxi service in Austin could face regulatory challenges, as the company must ensure compliance with both federal and state laws. The success of this rollout will be crucial for Tesla's competitive position in the autonomous vehicle market, where companies like Waymo and Cruise are also operating [3].

References:
[1] https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/texas-lawmakers-send-letter-to-tesla-asking-to-delay-robotaxi-rollout-in-austin/
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/TESLA-INC-6344549/news/US-auto-safety-agency-reviewing-Tesla-answers-on-robotaxi-deployment-plans-50297963/
[3] https://www.business-standard.com/industry/auto/tesla-robotaxi-launch-date-austin-june-2025-musk-autonomous-model-y-125061800512_1.html

Ask Aime: Should I wait for Tesla's robotaxi launch in Austin?