Tesla’s Robotaxi Ambitions Face Scrutiny Amidst Driving Irregularities

Tesla’s ambitious Robotaxi program is facing early scrutiny as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requests information following reports of driving irregularities. Videos from the recent Austin, Texas, launch showed the self-driving vehicles exceeding speed limits and veering into wrong lanes, prompting the US’s main transportation safety regulator to investigate. This immediate oversight casts a shadow on Elon Musk’s grand vision for autonomous transport.
The initial, limited rollout of Tesla’s Robotaxis was heavily promoted, featuring pro-Tesla influencers showcasing the paid ride service. However, the very footage meant to generate positive buzz has instead become a focal point for the NHTSA, as the videos appear to demonstrate the Robotaxis’ struggles in complying with traffic laws. The agency’s awareness of these “referenced incidents” underscores the serious nature of its inquiry.
One particularly concerning video, shared by a Tesla investor, depicted a Robotaxi misjudging a left turn, briefly entering an opposing traffic lane, and then correcting its course over a double yellow line. Another clip showed a pro-Tesla YouTuber commending the car for driving “several miles per hour over the speed limit,” clearly indicating non-compliance with speed regulations. These incidents raise significant safety questions.
This latest regulatory challenge comes at a critical time for Tesla, as the company experiences declining sales and a substantial year-on-year profit drop in early 2025. With Elon Musk heavily promoting the Robotaxi program as the cornerstone of Tesla’s future, the NHTSA’s probe, alongside an existing investigation into “Full-Self Driving” safety, places immense pressure on the company to prove the reliability and safety of its autonomous vision.