From Startup Fortune · · 1m 10s
NHTSA Deadlines for Tesla Robotaxi Certification
Tesla faces NHTSA deadlines to explain Cybercab certification as Waymo pulls ahead in school zones.
In brief
Tesla faces NHTSA deadlines to explain Cybercab certification as Waymo pulls ahead in school zones. Tesla must answer NHTSA's sworn questions by October 30, 2026, or risk penalties up to $139 million for self-certifying a car without steering wheels. Originally reported by Startup Fortune.
NHTSA Certification Deadline
Tesla has until October 30, 2026, to explain under oath how it certified a car with no steering wheel.
NHTSA School Zone Petition
NHTSA opened a file on Tesla's robotaxi fleet exceeding speed limits in school zones on October 9.
Certification Audit Details
NHTSA ordered Tesla to answer 21 questions about how Cybercab meets federal safety standards without steering wheels.
Regulatory Penalties
Incomplete or false answers could trigger penalties up to $139 million and criminal exposure.
Waymo's Lead
Waymo has 1,100 vehicles in Texas versus Tesla's 500 as of October, according to state registry.
Houston Rollout
Tesla shipped 45 Cybercabs and Model Y Robotaxis to Houston for a second city rollout before year-end.
Next Steps
Tesla's answers by October 30 determine if Cybercab certification holds or a formal investigation starts.
The headline
Tesla must answer NHTSA's sworn questions by October 30, 2026, or risk penalties up to $139 million for self-certifying a car without steering wheels.
