Many people have been nervous about the introduction of the Tesla Cybercab and Robotaxi. The bespoke vehicles and those based on the Model Y are fully autonomous, and this has left quite a few worried that they could cause accidents or go out of control.
However, it would appear that a new issue has potentially come to light. Federal officials are currently investigating allegations that the Tesla vehicles are starting to exceed speed limits in school zones. These are zones where speeds are much lower to protect parents and students as they arrive and leave school.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed on October 9th 2026, that it has opened a safety probe into the driverless vehicles after various reports. These all stated that the autonomous taxis had been clocked going at excessive speeds in the school zones.
This will be a worry for many, as Tesla is hoping to slowly increase the rollout of the vehicles in more regions and in greater numbers. It now rests on regulators as to how far they will take the matter, and if they deem it requires a full investigation.
What We Know About the Speeding Cybercabs
The matter currently sits with the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). It covers the 2026 model-year Robotaxis, made up of the Model Y as well as the bespoke Cybercab that has recently been introduced. The main allegation against the vehicles is that they have been disregarding school zone speed limits and continuing at regular road speeds, and several social media reports were submitted to back up this claim.
The petitioner also submitted three video links as supporting evidence, showing the vehicles exceeding the school zone speed limits. These speed limits operate during school hours and are designed to make it safer for parents and students. Every vehicle must obey them, whether driven by a human or otherwise. The human element is easier to deal with, but it will be a big concern for the NHTSA if the autonomous taxis are breaking speed limits and simply ignoring the school zones.
It is now up to regulators to determine the next steps. They will have to weigh up the incidents and how serious they are, and work out if they should move to a full investigation of what has happened. “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 agency’s document stated.
What if the Vehicles Have Exceeded the School Zone Speed Limits?
“The Petitioner alleges that the ADS exceeds posted speed limits in active school zones. Along with the request, the Petitioner provided 3 links to video footage as supporting evidence,” continued the document. If it is determined that the taxis exceed the school speed limits, then there could be big ramifications. Currently, Tesla operates the taxis in three Texas cities. These are Austin, Dallas, and Houston, while it also operates in three Florida cities: Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. There is also a limited service offered in the San Francisco Bay Area.
A full investigation could cover around 1,000 vehicles, making it a big undertaking for Tesla and the NHTSA. It comes after a 2025 inquiry into Robotaxis that had been spotted speeding, as well as driving into oncoming traffic. In September 2026, another investigation began into whether the Cybercab, without pedals or a steering wheel, meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Tesla will very much be hoping that its autonomous taxis haven’t started running riot in school zones as well.