NHTSA investigates Tesla full self-driving performance in adverse weather
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating how Tesla's full self-driving technology performs in adverse weather conditions, following four reported collisions including one fatal crash in 2023. NHTSA requested information from Tesla about its planned robotaxi service launch in Austin in June, specifically concerning sensor capabilities and safety protocols for poor visibility conditions.
What happened
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sent a letter to Tesla on May 8, 2025, asking the company to provide information about how its full self-driving technology will perform during Tesla's planned robotaxi service launch in Austin, Texas in June.
NHTSA said it has been investigating Tesla full self-driving collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions since October 2024, citing four reported crashes including a fatal collision in 2023. The agency sought details on Tesla's robotaxi sensors, supervision plans, and how the system will handle poor visibility conditions such as fog, rain, snow, sun glare, and airborne dust.
Tesla was required to respond to NHTSA's request by June 19, 2025. Tesla had already been operating a supervised version of the robotaxi platform with drivers in the driver's seat at the time of the investigation.
Reported impact
NHTSA identified concerns about the ability of Tesla's full self-driving technology to react appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions, having already recorded four collisions with the system engaged.
Index analysis
The investigation focused on whether Tesla's sensors and cameras can safely operate the autonomous system in poor weather and visibility conditions, and whether real-time monitoring would be in place for unsupervised robotaxi operations.
NHTSA sought to determine what happens if poor visibility is encountered during a robotaxi ride and whether Tesla complies with industry standards on driving automation systems.
Governance controls
NHTSA required Tesla to describe its plans to ensure safety of robotaxi operations in reduced visibility conditions and to provide information about deployment plans and vehicle supervision.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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