The Tesla Cybercab is facing scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after the agency raised questions about how the self-driving vehicle was certified. The concerns center on federal safety requirements that the Cybercab does not appear to meet, including rules covering steering wheels, brake pedals and mirrors.
NHTSA Demands Answers From Tesla
Self-driving taxis are emerging as a potential part of the public transportation landscape, but widespread implementation still faces several hurdles, including the current regulatory framework.
Vehicles must meet certain criteria before they can be certified, with manufacturers responsible for completing the required paperwork before the NHTSA reviews it.
That process has now put Tesla’s Cybercab under scrutiny. A limited rollout took place earlier this month, with the vehicle making its first paid public rides in Austin, Texas.
However, the NHTSA is questioning Tesla’s self-certification process. The agency filed a Special Order demanding clarification from the automaker, with the requested information to be provided under oath.
Cybercab Raises Questions Over Federal Safety Rules
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards require vehicles on the road to have a steering wheel, brake pedal and mirrors. The Cybercab does not have any of these features.
That has prompted regulators to question how Tesla certified the vehicle without seeking an exemption from certain requirements.
The NHTSA’s Special Order seeks an explanation from Tesla. If the automaker cannot provide a satisfactory response, it could face serious legal consequences if its certification paperwork is determined to be false or misleading.
A central issue is the Cybercab’s complete lack of a brake pedal and how Tesla was able to pass certification without one.
Potential Financial Consequences for Tesla
The regulatory issue could carry significant financial consequences for Tesla. If the company fails to successfully address the matter, it could face civil penalties of up to $139 million.
Beyond those potential penalties, Tesla could also face additional expenses tied to the project. The eventual cost of those expenses is not known, but they could add substantially to the financial impact.
NHTSA Has Proposed Changes for Autonomous Vehicles
The NHTSA has proposed legislative updates that would allow autonomous vehicles to bypass some of the existing requirements.
Those changes, however, have not yet been adopted. As a result, the Tesla Cybercab remains subject to the regulatory framework currently in place.
