{
  "id": 5717207,
  "title": "Tesla’s wheel-free Cybercabs face US safety probe just a day after launch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/teslas-wheel-free-cybercabs-face-us-safety-probe-just-a-day-after",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-05T04:18:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/teslas-wheel-free-cybercabs-face-us-safety-probe-just-a-day-after-launch/articleshow/133787079.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Just a day after Tesla's wheel-free taxis, called Cybercabs, began operating in Austin, Texas, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into whether the vehicles meet federal safety regulations. The Cybercabs lack steering wheels, mirrors, and brake pedals typically required in vehicles.\n\nTesla's CEO, Elon Musk, launched the Cybercab service on Thursday and hosts a launch event for invitees. According to Tesla, the firm relied on a self-certification process to ensure compliance with federal standards. However, the NHTSA is now examining the vehicles' processes and technical data to ensure they meet the required standards.\n\nThe agency will conduct an audit to determine whether Tesla's certification process complies with federal rules. Tesla generally self-certifies vehicles before releasing new models on public roads. However, regulators may investigate if they suspect a certification violation.\n\nThe Cybercab differs from most new vehicle models as it involves significant changes rather than minor modifications, presenting new safety issues. Musk plans to integrate the Cybercabs into Tesla's existing cab service, which currently uses conventional Tesla vehicles.\n\nMusk's vision includes a national rollout of driverless taxi service, with the Cybercabs already operating in Austin and five other cities in Texas and Florida. Despite the excitement over the launch, Tesla shares fell nearly 6% to $354.08 on Friday, erasing gains made the day before.\n\nRival taxi service Zoox faced a similar regulatory probe in 2020 after self-certifying its steering-wheel-free cabs. The probe was eventually resolved after regulators carried out a formal review. Additionally, Tesla is currently facing investigations into its self-driving software's safety, including crashes in low-visibility conditions and violations of regulatory requirements.",
  "summary": "The US safety regulator is conducting an investigation into Tesla's innovative taxis that operate without a steering wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is assessing whether these vehicles adhere to federal safety regulations. Following their launch in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, the agency plans to examine Tesla's self-certification process. This investigation echoes…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}