U.S. safety regulators are reviewing claims that Tesla’s robotaxis speed in active school zones. According to reports, a defect petition filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alleges the vehicles are not slowing appropriately when passing through school areas. NHTSA has opened a file to determine whether an investigation is warranted.
The preliminary scope cited by outlets involves an estimated fleet of about 1,000 vehicles, including Tesla Model Y and the Cybercab, with references to the 2026 model year. Reporting also notes this is the latest in a series of federal actions involving Tesla’s driverless offerings in recent weeks, following an earlier audit query and a separate NHTSA special order related to Cybercab certification.
While outlets describe the same basic allegations and the agency’s preliminary review, they differ mainly in emphasis—some focus on the specific speeding claim in school zones, while others frame the action as part of broader regulatory scrutiny of Tesla’s autonomous lineup.
