The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is evaluating allegations that Tesla robotaxis exceeded active school-zone speed limits, first reported by The Verge. The petition asks the agency to investigate model year 2026 Tesla Robotaxis, naming Model Y and Cybercab vehicles operating with the automated driving system engaged in active school zones.
The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation received the petition on September 23, 2026. NHTSA says Tesla has 1,000 or so robotaxis using its automated driving system.
The Cybercab launched earlier this year and is already under investigation over its lack of side mirrors, pedals and a steering wheel. NHTSA has also opened an investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system for traffic violations, including running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the street.
The Tesla matters address different issues: the petition concerns robotaxi speed allegations, while the Full Self-Driving investigation concerns traffic violations. Cybercab’s equipment is the subject of another investigation.
Waymo robotaxis have also faced similar inquiries, including for illegally passing school buses and hitting a child near a California elementary school.