As Tesla gears up to roll out a paid robotaxi service in Austin this June, U.S. automotive safety officials are pressing the company for answers regarding how its self-driving technology will handle challenging driving conditions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has formally requested that Tesla provide detailed information on its robotaxi plans, including the number of vehicles involved, operational supervision strategies, and how its autonomous systems respond to poor visibility—such as fog, rain, or bright sun glare. The inquiry stems from an ongoing investigation into the performance of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software during low-visibility conditions, which began following a series of accidents, including two fatal crashes.
In a letter made public Monday, NHTSA emphasized the importance of understanding Tesla’s safety protocols, particularly for situations where road visibility is impaired. Investigators are looking into whether Tesla’s vehicles will be actively monitored during rides and how the technology is expected to function with or without human oversight.
The agency is also asking Tesla to disclose specifics about its sensors and cameras, and whether its autonomous driving systems align with any current industry safety standards. The concerns reflect broader questions about the readiness of full self-driving technology to operate independently on public roads under unpredictable conditions.
Tesla has yet to respond to the latest request for information. The company previously recalled over 2 million vehicles in late 2023 to enhance driver monitoring systems in its Autopilot suite, though regulators continue to assess the effectiveness of those changes.
The spotlight on Tesla’s robotaxi project intensifies as industry leaders and regulators alike consider the broader implications of autonomous mobility. With its Texas launch just around the corner, Tesla will need to demonstrate that safety remains central to its innovation roadmap.
