US agency asks Tesla questions about its Austin 'robotaxi' plan
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AUSTIN (KXAN) — Tesla will have to answer questions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about its plans to launch automated driving systems in Austin.
According to the NHTSA’s letter sent on May 8, the agency requested certain information from Tesla regarding its development of driving automation technologies.
“As you are aware, NHTSA has an ongoing defect investigation (PE24031) into FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions,” the letter read.
The agency said it would like to gather additional information about Tesla’s development of technologies for use in “robotaxi” vehicles to “understand how Tesla plans to evaluate its vehicles and driving automation technologies for use on public roads.”
The NHTSA said based on public statements, it understands Tesla first plans to operate a fleet of fully autonomous vehicles in Austin starting this June. This is part of the company’s plans to launch a self-driving paid service.
The agency wants to assess how well the vehicles can react to reduced roadway visibility conditions.
The NHTSA requested a response by June 19.
The letter said Tesla may be fined up to $27,874 per day if the agency does not receive a prompt response, with a maximum fine of $139,356,994.
What does the NHSTA want to know?
The letter listed nine questions related to crash reporting, system development and automated responses to emergencies.
The agency asked for the number of vehicles anticipated to start within the next year or two years, as well as how these vehicles will be supervised or monitored by Tesla in real time.
Regarding emergency scenarios, the NHTSA asked for Tesla’s approach to vehicle interactions with first responders.
“Explain how the system is designed to comply with traffic safety laws and how Tesla will monitor for compliance with traffic safety laws including traffic control devices, interactions with construction zones, and interactions with first responders,” the letter read.
The NHTSA also asked how the robotaxi’s will safely operate in “reduced roadway visibility conditions, such as sun glare, fog, airborne dust, rain, or snow.”
The letter asks how, or if, the vehicles’ responses to changing weather conditions partway through a ride would be different from a ride that starts in those conditions.
City of Austin’s Autonomous Vehicle Task Force
Back in December 2024, KXAN confirmed Tesla was in talks with the city of Austin over its autonomous vehicle technology. A spokesperson for the Transportation and Public Works Department said Tesla reached out to the city’s autonomous vehicle task force.
“The City treats each AV company that expresses interest in Austin the same, offering training opportunities and providing uniform information,” the transportation spokesperson said in an email to KXAN.
KXAN received an updated statement from the department regarding those discussions.
We are working with Tesla, as we work with all AV companies looking to deploy in Austin. The city treats each AV company that expresses interest in Austin the same, offering training opportunities and providing information about City right-of-way and procedures.
Additionally, Austin Police recently participated in a training with Tesla vehicles that was hosted by the Texas Department of Public Safety.”
City of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department
KXAN reached out to Tesla for comment, and we’re waiting for a response.
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