U.S. auto safety regulators are evaluating a petition alleging Tesla robotaxis exceed posted speed limits in active school zones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a defect petition inquiry. It covers an estimated 1,000 model year 2026 Tesla Model Y and Cybercab vehicles.
The petition, filed September 23, included video footage as supporting evidence. The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation will assess the allegations to determine if a formal investigation is warranted. No crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been associated with these reports so far.
This inquiry adds to existing regulatory scrutiny of Tesla's autonomous vehicle program. The NHTSA is already investigating how Tesla self-certified its Cybercab, which lacks a steering wheel and pedals, meets federal safety standards. Tesla commercially launched its robotaxi service in several Texas cities in September.