Tesla Robotaxis Under Investigation After Public Footage Raises Safety Alarms

Tesla’s much-touted Robotaxi launch in Austin, Texas, is now under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after public footage raised significant safety alarms. The US’s primary transportation safety regulator is requesting information from Tesla following videos that showed the self-driving cars exceeding speed limits and veering into incorrect lanes during their debut weekend.
Tesla had heavily promoted the initial, limited rollout of its Robotaxis, enlisting pro-Tesla influencers to showcase the paid ride service. Ironically, the very content intended to generate positive publicity has instead drawn the attention of the NHTSA, as the videos reveal numerous instances where the Robotaxis appeared to struggle with fundamental traffic compliance. The agency’s swift response indicates a serious examination is underway.
One particularly concerning video, shared by a Tesla investor, depicted a Robotaxi misjudging a left turn, momentarily entering an oncoming traffic lane before correcting its path over a double yellow line. Another clip featured a pro-Tesla YouTuber praising the car for driving “several miles per hour over the speed limit,” further highlighting the system’s deviations from standard driving practices.
This new regulatory challenge arrives at a critical juncture for Tesla, as the company navigates declining sales and a significant 71% drop in first-quarter profits for 2025. With Elon Musk having staked a substantial portion of Tesla’s future on the success of its Robotaxi program, the NHTSA’s investigation, combined with an ongoing probe into “Full-Self Driving,” places considerable pressure on the automaker to validate its autonomous technology and address public safety concerns.