NHTSA weighs probe into claims Tesla Robotaxis speed in school zones

NHTSA has opened defect petition file DP26010 to decide whether to investigate claims that Tesla Robotaxis speed through active school zones. The agency estimates the affected fleet at about 1,000 Model Y and Cybercab vehicles, marking the third federal action against Tesla's driverless fleet in roughly five weeks. A decision on the petition is due around January 21, 2027.

• Petition filed September 23; NHTSA opened file DP26010 on October 9
• NHTSA estimates the Robotaxi fleet at about 1,000 Model Y and Cybercab vehicles
• Evidence: three social media videos and four incidents with no injuries
• Decision deadline is around January 21, 2027; a grant could lead to a recall