NHTSA Demands Tesla Clarify Cybercab Certification by September 30

On September 16, Beijing time, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Tuesday that as part of a government investigation, Tesla must answer a series of questions by September 30 regarding whether it properly self-certified its autonomous taxi, the Cybercab. NHTSA stated that Tesla must clarify whether temporarily installed human-driving controls or other equipment formed part of the basis for its compliance certification. Earlier this month, NHTSA said it is reviewing the certification process and technical data Tesla used prior to deploying the Cybercab to demonstrate compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. NHTSA has asked Tesla to confirm whether the Cybercab can be operated by a human driver and whether any controls on the vehicle’s touchscreen allow passengers to move the vehicle. NHTSA also requested information about the autonomous taxi’s maximum speed, geographic or time-based operating restrictions, and other limitations. NHTSA noted that the Cybercab lacks traditional manual controls, including a steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal, and rearview mirrors. Under current U.S. law, fully autonomous vehicles equipped with a steering wheel, brake pedal, rearview mirrors, and other features typical of human-driven vehicles do not require NHTSA approval. Additionally, NHTSA has the authority to approve applications allowing each manufacturer to operate up to 2,500 vehicles per year without human-driving controls on U.S. roads. On September 3, 2026, Tesla began commercial deployment of a small number of two-seat Cybercabs in Austin, Texas, stating it plans to gradually expand the service to more vehicles and locations. Tesla, along with other autonomous taxi companies including Waymo, supports the Trump administration’s plan to revise regulations so that such vehicles would not need to include steering wheels, brake pedals, rearview mirrors, or other equipment required for human operation. As of publication, Tesla had not commented on the matter.