RismadarVoice Reporters
September 4, 2026
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is pushing the boundaries of existing vehicle regulations as the electric vehicle company begins offering rides with its new Cybercab robotaxi, a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel, pedals or mirrors.
The Cybercab service was launched in Austin, Texas, with Tesla adding the two-seater vehicles to its growing robotaxi fleet. The rollout has drawn attention from US safety regulators, who have opened a review into whether the vehicles comply with federal vehicle safety requirements.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it had begun an audit of about 1,000 Cybercab vehicles to examine how Tesla determined that the cars meet federal safety standards.
US regulations currently limit the commercial use of vehicles that do not follow long-established safety rules designed for human-controlled cars. However, industry experts said gaps in existing regulations could allow Tesla to expand the Cybercab service while regulators continue assessing the technology.
The gold-coloured Cybercab represents Musk’s strategy of focusing heavily on autonomous driving software and robotics. The company’s valuation has risen significantly as investors continue to place confidence in its self-driving ambitions.
Unlike many countries where new vehicle technologies require government approval before deployment, US automakers are allowed to introduce vehicles by certifying themselves that they meet federal requirements.
Michael Brooks, executive director of the Centre for Auto Safety, questioned whether the Cybercab could meet current federal vehicle safety standards due to its lack of conventional controls.
Tesla has said its Full Self-Driving software, which powers the Cybercab, is significantly safer than human drivers, while experts have raised concerns about whether autonomous systems are ready to operate reliably in all driving conditions.
Tesla began manufacturing the Cybercab in April,l and Musk has previously said production would increase rapidly. During its unveiling in 2024, he said the vehicle could eventually be sold for less than $30,000.
The company has already launched limited paid robotaxi services in Texas and Florida using modified Model Y vehicles equipped with traditional controls and, in some cases, human backup drivers.
The regulatory debate surrounding Cybercab could potentially lead to legal disputes between Tesla and government authorities. Former NHTSA officials said disagreements over the company’s approach to vehicle certification could end up in court.
Tesla has not publicly responded to requests for comment on the regulatory concerns.
