NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Tesla Cybercab Deployment Without Steering Wheel or Pedals

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Tesla’s deployment of its Cybercab autonomous vehicle after the company launched the vehicle on public roads without traditional driver controls.

The federal safety agency announced the probe shortly after Tesla began operating the first Cybercabs in Austin, Texas. The investigation will examine how Tesla certified the vehicle and the technical information used to determine compliance with federal vehicle safety requirements.

NHTSA said Tesla informed the agency that it had self-certified the Cybercab as compliant with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Automakers generally certify their own vehicles under the current regulatory system.

In its investigation notice, NHTSA said it is reviewing Tesla’s certification process and the technical data behind the company’s compliance decisions. The agency is also examining whether Tesla’s certification relied on conclusions that certain federal standards do not apply to the Cybercab.

Cybercab Raises Questions Over Existing Vehicle Rules

The Cybercab’s design differs from traditional vehicles because it does not include a steering wheel or brake pedals. Current federal safety standards include requirements related to manual vehicle controls. However, the Department of Transportation has proposed changes that could remove some barriers for vehicles built specifically for autonomous operation.

NHTSA said it supports the development of automated vehicles but emphasised that existing safety standards remain in effect until regulatory updates are completed.

“NHTSA fully supports the safe development and deployment of automated vehicles. But as the federal regulator, we need to ensure that all of our laws are followed,” NHTSA administrator Jonathan Morrison said.

Previous Zoox Review Provides Regulatory Comparison

Tesla’s situation follows a similar review involving Zoox, an autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon. In 2022, NHTSA requested additional information from Zoox after the company self-certified a vehicle without conventional controls such as a steering wheel and pedals.

NHTSA’s earlier inquiry into Zoox examined the company’s vehicle certification approach, while a subsequent agency document outlined additional review steps for the autonomous vehicle manufacturer.

The Zoox review process continued as the company worked through federal requirements for its robotaxi deployment. Zoox eventually received approval for a temporary exemption from certain Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in 2026.

It remains unclear whether Tesla’s Cybercab review will follow the same path. NHTSA said it is updating parts of the federal safety standards related to manual controls, but until those changes are finalised, existing requirements continue to apply.