Tesla has finally started offering rides in its robotaxis, the brand’s autonomous vehicles that have been making headlines in recent months. Tesla promised to revolutionize urban mobility, but the only thing it has shaken up is the NHTSA.
Federal regulators contacted Tesla just one day after the company began offering its robotaxi service in Austin. Not even a day of fun for the robotaxis. Videos on social media show these vehicles breaking traffic laws in Austin, from speeding to crossing into oncoming lanes… do these vehicles have a life of their own? Tesla claims its vehicles are ready and perfectly safe for road use, but that’s not what we’re seeing in the videos
Is Tesla rushing its push for full autonomy?
The NHTSA intervened
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) contacted Tesla just 24 hours after the robotaxis’ debut, after reviewing multiple videos showing some pretty crazy behaviour by the vehicles. The footage has caused alarm, showing cars entering opposing lanes or braking suddenly for no apparent reason, especially when approaching police vehicles.
According to an official statement, the NHTSA is gathering data and will continue enforcing the law to ensure road safety, making it clear that no manufacturer is above regulation, not even Tesla.
Here’s my entire first Tesla Robotaxi trip from start to finish. Ten miles across south Austin. Timestamps in comments. pic.twitter.com/cr6y4z1UWB
— Rob Maurer (@TeslaPodcast) June 22, 2025
What technology do Tesla’s robotaxis use?
Tesla markets its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised software, a system that assists with steering and braking but requires the driver to keep their hands on the wheel. In the case of the robotaxis, however, an unsupervised version of this system has been implemented, though its details have yet to be revealed (and it doesn’t seem to be working too well, does it?)
Each robotaxi includes a “human safety monitor” in the front passenger seat, though the driving is handled entirely by the software.
Promises vs. reality
Author Ed Niedermeyer, who was in Austin to observe the rollout, recorded a robotaxi braking sharply for no reason on two occasions. These incidents occurred just as it passed parked police cars (maybe it doesn’t want to get fined?), raising questions about how the autonomous system interprets its surroundings.
Other videos show risky manoeuvres, exceeding speed limits or making lane changes with no clear logic, which could endanger other road users. So yes, the robotaxi has made it clear that it is not yet ready to operate without supervision, even if we’re all hoping it soon will be…
Is this launch wise?
Tesla has insisted that its system meets the required safety standards. But under U.S. law, new technologies don’t need prior approval: companies themselves certify that their vehicles comply with regulations. The NHTSA only steps in when safety-related incidents occur.
What are robotaxis?
Tesla’s latest bet: autonomous vehicles designed to transport passengers without the need for a human driver just like in the movies! They operate using advanced technology and assisted driving (cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence) and are capable of navigating streets and making real-time decisions. Almost like a taxi, but without a driver to put on the radio.
The future of robotaxis: on hold?
Although the rollout in Austin is limited and available only to invited customers, this first real-world test has been enough to raise every alarm. The combination of unproven technology, risky driving decisions, and the presence of pedestrians turns each ride into a very dangerous trial… are we talking about innovation or threats to public safety?