Tesla Robotaxis Accused of Speeding in School Zones, NHTSA Launches Probe

Tesla’s Robotaxi fleet is facing fresh federal scrutiny. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an inquiry into claims that Tesla’s Robotaxis exceed speed limits in active school zones, as reported by Drive Tesla Canada.

The defect petition inquiry, opened on October 9, covers an estimated 1,000 vehicles, including both retrofitted Model Y robotaxis and purpose-built Cybercabs.

What NHTSA Is Looking Into

The inquiry stems from a petition submitted on September 23, which alleges that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system doesn’t obey reduced speed limits in school zones. The petitioner included three videos as evidence.

NHTSA has identified four incidents of Robotaxis exhibiting this behavior so far: one formal complaint filed with the agency and three reports shared on social media. None involved a collision, injury, or fatality.

It’s still early. NHTSA hasn’t determined whether Tesla’s Robotaxi software has a safety defect, and it’s reviewing the evidence before deciding whether to open a formal investigation. Tesla isn’t the only one facing these questions, either. Waymo has also drawn federal scrutiny over incidents involving school buses and reduced-speed areas.

Another Regulatory Hurdle for Tesla

This is the second NHTSA inquiry into Tesla’s driverless fleet in just over a month. In early September, the agency opened an investigation into the Cybercab right as public rides began in Austin. That probe focuses on how Tesla self-certified the Cybercab without a steering wheel, pedals, or side mirrors, and without applying for an exemption.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla recently got a 30-day extension to respond to that probe, giving it until October 30 to answer 21 questions. They cover everything from how the Cybercab meets federal rules for turn signals and brakes to whether passengers can move the vehicle using the touchscreen.

Robotaxi Expansion Continues

The new inquiry comes as Tesla keeps growing its Robotaxi network. Tesla says it now operates a fleet of more than 300 Cybercabs in Austin — in addition to Model Y robotaxis — and Dallas is next in line for Cybercab rides.

For now, Robotaxi operations continue while NHTSA reviews the school zone evidence. The agency’s decision on whether to escalate to a formal investigation, along with Tesla’s October 30 response on the Cybercab probe, will show how much these probes could slow Tesla’s expansion plans (if at all).