The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a Special Order requiring Tesla to provide sworn testimony regarding the certification of its Cybercab. Regulators are investigating how the vehicle, which lacks a steering wheel, pedals, and mirrors, was cleared for use under federal safety standards.
The core of the inquiry concerns the FMVSS No. 135 standard, which mandates that service brakes be activated via a foot control. Tesla opted for self-certification instead of seeking a temporary exemption, a process where automakers sign compliance paperwork that the agency later audits.
Tesla held the Cybercab launch event in Austin on September 3, 2026, and initiated limited paid service for riders the following day. NHTSA is currently reviewing this rollout to determine if the company's interpretation of existing regulations remains compliant with federal law.
If regulators determine that the certification was false or misleading, Tesla could face civil penalties reaching approximately $139 million. The agency is also examining the use of temporary hardware, such as bolt-on steering wheels, mentioned in company documentation for certain units.
