# Feds Probe Tesla's Steering-Wheel-Free Cybercab

> Federal regulators opened an investigation into Tesla's Cybercab deployment hours after it hit public roads without steering wheels or pedals.
- Title: Feds Probe Tesla's Steering-Wheel-Free Cybercab · TechCrunch
- Summary: Federal regulators opened an investigation into Tesla's Cybercab deployment hours after it hit public roads without steering wheels or pedals. Tesla…
- Keywords: tesla, cybercab, nhtsa, robotaxis, transportation, technology, startups, Feds, Probe, Tesla's, Steering-Wheel-Free, TechCrunch
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/04/feds-launch-investigation-into-teslas-cybercab-deployment
- Author: Sean O'Kane
- Published: 2026-09-04T12:01:14+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tesla, cybercab, nhtsa, robotaxis, transportation, technology, startups
## Cybercabs hit Austin streets
Tesla deployed its first Cybercabs on public roads in Austin, Texas. The vehicles were built with no steering wheel or pedals.

> ...launched its new Cybercab on public roads with no steering wheel or pedals.
## Regulators open immediate probe
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation mere hours after the vehicles made their public debut.

> ...opened the probe mere hours after Tesla put the first Cybercabs on the streets of Austin, Texas.
## Manual controls are still required
Federal vehicle safety rules currently require manual controls like brake pedals, though regulators recently proposed updating those mandates for autonomous designs.

> Federal vehicle safety regulations require manual controls like brake pedals...
## Tesla self-certified safety compliance
Tesla notified federal regulators that it self-certified the Cybercab as fully compliant with all federal motor vehicle safety standards.

> Tesla told the agency that it self-certified the Cybercab as being compliant with all of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
## Investigation targets technical data
Regulators are examining Tesla's technical data and checking if the company improperly decided certain federal rules didn't apply to the Cybercab.

> ...examine the process and technical data on which Tesla relied when certifying the Cybercab and related issues.
## Key takeaway

Tesla self-certified its wheel-less Cybercab for public roads, but federal regulators are investigating whether the deployment violates safety standards.