Tesla Robotaxis Under Investigation for Traffic Violations in Austin

NHTSA Probe into Tesla Robotaxis

• 🚗 Tesla's robotaxis have begun operating on public roads in Austin, Texas, offering rides within a limited city zone.
• ⚠️ The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking information on the operation due to alleged traffic violations.
• 🔍 The NHTSA has reviewed online videos that reportedly show a robotaxi speeding and another using the wrong lane.
• 🚫 Tesla did not respond to Reuters' request for comment, but CEO Elon Musk has stated the company is highly focused on safety.
• ⚠️ The robotaxis are programmed to avoid bad weather and difficult intersections, and will not carry children.

Lawsuit Over Model S Crash and "Full Self-Driving"

• ⚖️ Separately, Tesla faces a lawsuit in New Jersey from the estates of three individuals killed in a crash involving a Model S sedan.
• 💥 The suit alleges that defective and unreasonably dangerous design of the "full self-driving" feature led to the deaths.
• ⚠️ Plaintiffs claim the system creates an impression of full autonomy that it cannot deliver, failing in many everyday driving situations.
• ⚠️ Tesla maintains that the "full self-driving" feature requires attentive drivers with hands on the steering wheel.
• 🚫 Tesla also did not comment on the lawsuit when contacted by Reuters.