The feds are looking into reports of Tesla’s robotaxis speeding through school zones
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it's evaluating allegations that Tesla's 1,000 or so robotaxis using its automated driving system are exceeding "posted speed limits in active school zones." Waymo's robotaxis have also faced similar inquiries, including for illegally passing school buses and hitting a child near a California elementary school. NHTSA: The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)…
Key points
- NHTSA is evaluating allegations that Tesla's roughly 1,000 robotaxis exceed posted speed limits in active school zones.
- The petition, filed September 23, 2026, targets model year 2026 Tesla Robotaxis including the Model Y and Cybercab with the Automated Driving System engaged.
- The Cybercab is already under investigation over its lack of side mirrors, pedals and a steering wheel, and NHTSA has also opened an investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving system for traffic violations.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is evaluating allegations that Tesla's roughly 1,000 robotaxis, which use the company's automated driving system, are exceeding posted speed limits in active school zones.
The agency's Office of Defects Investigation received a petition on September 23, 2026 asking for an investigation into model year 2026 Tesla Robotaxis, specifically the Model Y and Cybercab, when the Automated Driving System is engaged.
What the petition alleges
According to NHTSA, the petitioner claims the Automated Driving System exceeds posted speed limits in active school zones. The agency said it is evaluating the allegations.
The Cybercab launched earlier this year and is already under investigation for its lack of side mirrors, pedals and a steering wheel.
The Petitioner alleges that the ADS exceeds posted speed limits in active school zones.
— NHTSA
Other inquiries and comparisons
Waymo's robotaxis have also faced similar inquiries, including for illegally passing school buses and hitting a child near a California elementary school.
NHTSA has additionally opened an investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving system for traffic violations such as running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the street.
