SOP: 

"we certify this."
"how?"
"Uhhh... <insert bs>" <slip envelope under table>
"okay sounds good" ✅

optimism

This investigation will be a good thing for AVs and innovation in the US. NHTSA's requirements are for regular cars that humans drive. Tesla self-certified the Cybercab based on what was applicable. This will force NHTSA's hand to update their antiquated requirements, and the Cybercab will likely pass without any issues.

TomSig

Wheels turning on the road and in government

Tesla's Cybercab's wheels have only just hit the asphalt for its commercial launch and the autonomous vehicle has already attracted the attention of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

 of the vehicle at the weekend. Central to the probe is the fact that the Cybercab famously lacks conventional controls.

The NHTSA says there are "clear vehicle performance requirements" – stuff like brake controls – that "in order for automakers to access the US market, they must certify that their vehicles meet these standards – subject to oversight from the agency to confirm compliance. When certified vehicles appear to not adhere to these requirements, NHTSA conducts an investigation."

the requirements for autonomous vehicles designed never to be operated by a human, but Tesla appears to have jumped the gun somewhat, prompting the agency to open an Audit Query (AQ) just hours after the Cybercab began a commercial rollout on the streets of Austin, Texas.

Politics_And_Law

Stacker_Stocks

> **Wheels turning on the road and in government**
>
> Tesla's Cybercab's wheels have only just hit the asphalt for its commercial launch and the autonomous vehicle has already attracted the attention of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
>
> The body announced an [investigation into Tesla's self-certification](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/investigation-tesla-cybercab-self-certification) of the vehicle at the weekend. Central to the probe is the fact that the Cybercab famously lacks conventional controls.
>
> The NHTSA says there are "clear vehicle performance requirements" – stuff like brake controls – that "in order for automakers to access the US market, they must certify that their vehicles meet these standards – subject to oversight from the agency to confirm compliance. When certified vehicles appear to not adhere to these requirements, NHTSA conducts an investigation."
>
> The NHTSA is [updating ](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/fmvss-updates-brake-pedal-requirements)the requirements for autonomous vehicles designed never to be operated by a human, but Tesla appears to have jumped the gun somewhat, prompting the agency to open an Audit Query (AQ) just hours after the Cybercab began a commercial rollout on the streets of Austin, Texas.
>
> [**...read more at theregister.com**](https://www.theregister.com/offbeat/2026/09/07/us-watchdog-opens-probe-into-teslas-cybercab-self-certification/5294833)