Tesla launched its driverless Cybercab robotaxi service in Austin, Texas on September 3, 2026, deploying an initial fleet of vehicles designed without steering wheels, brake pedals, or mirrors [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The Cybercab seats two passengers and operates fully autonomously, relying on software rather than manual controls [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Tesla self-certified that the Cybercab complies with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), despite lacking equipment traditionally required for human-driven vehicles [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
On the same day as the launch, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an Audit Query investigation to review Tesla's certification process and technical data for about 1,000 Cybercab vehicles [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The inquiry will assess whether Tesla's determination that certain FMVSS requirements on manual controls do not apply to the Cybercab is correct [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Jonathan Morrison, NHTSA Administrator, said, "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" [3, 4].
State records show 45 Cybercabs are registered to Tesla in Texas as of September 2026, indicating a gradual rollout in Austin [4, 6]. Tesla plans to expand the service to more vehicles and other locations beyond Austin [2, 5, 6]. However, current federal safety standards were largely written for human-driven cars and mandate manual controls, which the Cybercab lacks [2, 5, 6]. NHTSA is working on updating vehicle regulations to better accommodate driverless cars, but the existing FMVSS remain legally binding for now [2, 3, 5].
Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, expressed skepticism, saying, "I don’t think there is a reasonable interpretation that can be made to suggest that the Cybercab can comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards" [2]. Carnegie Mellon engineering professor Philip Koopman noted, "Tesla historically has tested limits and pushed boundaries on regulations. I fully expect Tesla to test the limits" [2].
NHTSA’s Audit Query investigation will continue as Tesla expands deployment of the Cybercab, with resolution expected once the agency completes its review of Tesla’s certification data and compliance claims [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
