The feds are looking into reports of Tesla’s robotaxis speeding through school zones

By The Verge | Created at 2026-10-13 18:08:53 | Updated at 2026-10-13 19:40:38 2 hours ago

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NHTSA has received a petition requesting an investigation into Model Y and Cybercab vehicles exceeding active school zone speed limits.

NHTSA has received a petition requesting an investigation into Model Y and Cybercab vehicles exceeding active school zone speed limits.

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Oct 13, 2026, 5:40 PM UTC

Tesla Robotaxi Cybercab

Tesla Robotaxi Cybercab

Image: Andrej Sokolow via Getty Images

Stevie Bonifield

is a news writer covering all things consumer tech. Stevie started out at Laptop Mag writing news and reviews on hardware, gaming, and AI.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it’s evaluating allegations that Tesla’s 1,000 or so robotaxis using its automated driving system are exceeding “posted speed limits in active school zones.” Waymo’s robotaxis have also faced similar inquiries, including for illegally passing school buses and hitting a child near a California elementary school.

NHTSA:

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a DP on September 23, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2026 Tesla Robotaxis (Model Y and Cybercab) with the Automated Driving System (ADS) engaged. The Petitioner alleges that the ADS exceeds posted speed limits in active school zones.

The Cybercab launched earlier this year, and is already under investigation for its lack of side mirrors, pedals, and a steering wheel. NHTSA has also opened an investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system for traffic violations, like blowing past red lights and driving on the wrong side of the street.

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