NHTSA Investigates Tesla's Launch of Steering Wheel-less Cybercab
By Editor • September 4, 2026 • 1 min read
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla's introduction of its Cybercab, a vehicle that operates without traditional steering wheels or pedals. This announcement came just hours after the Cybercabs were deployed on the streets of Austin, Texas, raising significant safety concerns.
According to the NHTSA, federal vehicle safety regulations mandate that vehicles must include manual controls such as brake pedals. However, the Department of Transportation has recently proposed changes that could eliminate these requirements for vehicles specifically designed for autonomous operation.
Tesla informed the NHTSA that it had self-certified the Cybercab, claiming compliance with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This self-certification process is standard practice for automakers, who typically affirm their vehicles' adherence to safety regulations.
Source: techcrunch.com
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