The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an order requiring Tesla to prove the legality of its Cybercab robotaxi. The vehicle lacks a steering wheel, pedals, and rearview mirrors, which are mandatory features under current US safety standards for road-legal vehicles.
Tesla must submit a sworn statement by September 30, 2026, confirming that the Cybercab meets national safety requirements. Failure to provide a truthful and complete response by this deadline could result in a fine of up to $139 million for the company.
The core issue involves existing regulations that mandate the presence of physical controls, including a foot-operated brake. While NHTSA has discussed potential amendments for autonomous vehicles, these changes have not been officially enacted, leaving Tesla's current certification status in question.
Unlike some competitors, such as Zoox, which secured specific regulatory exemptions for its autonomous fleet, Tesla has not yet received similar waivers. The Zoox permit is limited to 2,500 vehicles annually and expires in 2028. Providing false information to NHTSA could lead to criminal charges, including up to 15 years in prison for the signing official.
