(Credit: Tim Goessman/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Tesla’s robotaxis began accepting paying customers on Sunday, and by the end of Monday a US safety agency contacted the company to discuss reports of incidents in the vehicles.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) told Bloomberg it had contacted Tesla to discuss multiple videos that show the company’s robotaxis breaking traffic laws. Tesla's service is currently limited to an area within Austin, Texas.
The NHTSA told Bloomberg, “Following an assessment of those reports and other relevant information, NHTSA will take any necessary actions to protect road safety.”
The statement also says, "Under U.S. law, NHTSA does not pre-approve new technologies or vehicle systems — rather, manufacturers certify that each vehicle meets NHTSA’s rigorous safety standards, and the agency investigates incidents involving potential safety defects."
One video showed a Tesla robotaxi drive into the wrong lane and continue traveling along the wrong side of the road for several seconds before course correcting. The video below comes from Rob Maurer, who used to host a podcast about Tesla. You can see the incident soon after the seven minute mark.
Another video, taken from a different car traveling alongside a robotaxi, showed the vehicle breaking hard after travelling past a police car. The robotaxi did this twice in quick succession when the vehicles should have continued driving straight at a consistent speed.
Some other reports have also shown robotaxis breaking Austin's speed limits. Tesla has yet to comment on the issues, and it's unclear if it has responded with additional information to the NHTSA. This is standard practice for automakers, especially in the testing of self-driving cars, so it's likely Tesla has been prepared for questions from the NHTSA.
Tesla's robotaxi service is rolling out in a limited capacity with 10 to 20 vehicles available in Austin, and only select people are allowed to access the service. The company has also kept its vehicle's manned with what it calls a "safety monitor." That's a Tesla employee with access to a kill switch to activate in emergencies.
The company wants to eventually offer these services without any employees present. It’s unclear where the company will go next to test out its cars. Tesla has previously driven its robotaxis in San Francisco, so it may be next of Tesla's list of locations for a roll out.