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As we all know by now, Tesla officially launched its Cybercab in Austin, Texas, this week. The custom-designed robotaxi doesn’t include a steering wheel, pedals, or side mirrors. However, there’s apparently some concern that this wasn’t done appropriately or legally. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reportedly investigating the matter.
One key thing here is that the NHTSA has proposed (in June) that the US government no longer require manual brake pedals for fully self-driving vehicles, but that’s just a proposal at the moment, and the NHTSA notes that the requirement is still in place today.
“The auto safety regulator is examining the process and technical data the EV maker relied on to demonstrate compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards for up to 1,000 Cybercabs,” Reuters writes. “Automakers must certify vehicles meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and when certified vehicles appear to not adhere to these requirements, NHTSA investigates, the agency said Friday.”
