NHTSA has opened a formal compliance action against Tesla, ordering the company to prove the Cybercab can legally be sold under U.S. regulations. The Special Order, issued September 10, requires Tesla to respond under oath explaining how a vehicle without a steering wheel, pedals, or mirrors satisfies Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The absence of these basic controls puts the Cybercab in an unusual regulatory position. Standard U.S. safety rules assume the presence of traditional driver-operated controls and equipment. Tesla must now provide evidence that its robotaxi meets those rules, or the agency could block its sale.
The source provides no additional details on Tesla's likely response or the timeline. It remains the sole source for this report.