The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency responsible for vehicle safety, has asked Tesla to answer about 20 questions regarding its Cybercab by September 30. The request comes after an audit began on September 3, the same day Tesla started offering paid rides using its autonomous taxi service in Austin, Texas. The Cybercab is designed without a steering wheel, pedals, or mirrors—features that are typically required by current U.S. vehicle safety regulations. Reuters reports that the NHTSA is asking Tesla to clarify how the company certified the vehicle’s safety, whether human operators were involved in the certification process, and whether passengers can move the vehicle using touchscreen controls. The agency is also seeking details on the Cybercab’s maximum speed and any restrictions on where or when it can operate. Tesla self-certified the Cybercab, meaning it assessed its own safety compliance, and launched its paid rides before formally requesting an exemption from the NHTSA. The agency can approve exemptions, but they are limited to 2,500 vehicles per manufacturer and year. For example, Amazon’s subsidiary, Zoox, received an exemption and is expected to begin commercial operations by the end of July 2026. Under current federal law, autonomous vehicles do not require NHTSA approval if they include traditional driving controls like a steering wheel, pedals, and mirrors. While the Trump administration had proposed changes to remove the brake pedal requirement, these changes have not yet been implemented. As a result, existing safety standards remain in place. The NHTSA has not ordered the Cybercab service to stop, and 45 units continue to operate in Austin, Texas. The agency is seeking more information before making any further decisions.