NHTSA Investigates Tesla Cybercab Over Lack of Manual Controls
· Automobile · TechCrunch, Engadget
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into Tesla's deployment of the Cybercab on public roads in Austin, Texas. The probe focuses on the vehicle's design, which lacks traditional manual controls like steering wheels and brake pedals. While federal regulations generally require such controls, the Department of Transportation has proposed removing these mandates for autonomous vehicles. Tesla reported that it self-certified the Cybercab as compliant with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The agency is now reviewing the technical data and the certification process Tesla utilized to justify the vehicle's road readiness.
Why it matters
The investigation will determine if Tesla's self-certification process meets federal safety standards, setting a critical precedent for the future of fully autonomous vehicle deployment in the US.
Read the original report — TechCrunch
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