Tesla Robotaxi Drives Into Wrong Lane on First Day in Austin
Tesla's robotaxi entered the wrong traffic lane during its first day of service in Austin, crossing into oncoming traffic for several seconds due to conflicting navigation instructions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation after video of the incident was posted online.
What happened
On June 22, 2025, Tesla launched its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, using Model Y vehicles with safety monitors in the front passenger seat. During the first day of service, a robotaxi driven by investor and Tesla podcast host Rob Maurer violated traffic laws by entering a left-turn-only lane, then driving straight instead of turning, crossing into the oncoming traffic lane for approximately six seconds before proceeding to a left-turn lane at the next intersection.
Maurer recorded the entire trip and posted the video on X (formerly Twitter). The NHTSA stated it was aware of the incident from Maurer's video and was collecting additional information from Tesla.
Reported impact
The vehicle's navigation system displayed conflicting instructions, showing the route changing between "straight" and "left turn," causing the steering to shift left and right. There were no oncoming vehicles during the wrong-lane driving incident.
Index analysis
The robotaxi relied solely on cameras and artificial intelligence without radar or lidar sensors, limiting perception in complex traffic situations. Experts noted that while Tesla has advantages in mass production and over-the-air software updates, the training required for AI systems to handle complex traffic scenarios can take years, similar to the development timeline of competitors like Waymo.
Governance controls
Tesla implemented safety monitors in the front passenger seat during the trial phase and selected invited passengers for the initial service launch. The service was conducted in a small, closely monitored test in a specific area of Austin with precautions including remote operators on standby and avoidance of bad weather.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.