Tesla Cybercab Faces Federal Safety Probe Over Lack of Manual Controls

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into whether Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) properly certified its new autonomous Cybercab robotaxi. The federal auto safety regulator is scrutinizing the vehicle's compliance with federal safety standards, a move that introduces regulatory uncertainty for the automaker's nascent ride-hailing service.

Details of the Investigation

NHTSA announced the probe on Friday, confirming it is examining the technical data and certification process Tesla used for up to 1,000 Cybercabs. The investigation centers on the vehicle's unconventional design, which lacks manual driver controls.

According to the agency, the two-seater Cybercab does not include several components required by current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, such as:

• A steering wheel
• Brake and accelerator pedals
• Mirrors

Automakers are required to self-certify that their vehicles meet all applicable federal standards before they can be sold or deployed. NHTSA stated that it investigates when certified vehicles appear not to adhere to these requirements.

Regulatory Context

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The inquiry was launched just one day after Tesla began a small commercial deployment of the Cybercab in Austin, Texas. The company had announced plans to gradually expand the service to more vehicles and cities.

The probe highlights the tension between advancing autonomous vehicle technology and the existing regulatory framework. While NHTSA has proposed new rules to accommodate vehicles without human controls—including potentially ending the requirement for manual brake pedals—the agency emphasized that existing standards remain in force until that work is completed.

Implications for Tesla and the AV Sector

This federal probe represents a significant potential roadblock for one of Tesla's most anticipated future products. The outcome could affect the timeline and scope of the Cybercab's planned nationwide rollout, a key pillar of the company's long-term valuation narrative.

For investors and the broader autonomous vehicle industry, the investigation underscores the persistent regulatory hurdles facing the deployment of fully driverless cars. The case could set an important precedent for how regulators approach the certification of vehicles that fundamentally depart from traditional automotive design.