Elon Musk's Doge Targets Autonomous Vehicle Regulator

Restructuring of Autonomous Vehicle Oversight at NHTSA

Recent reports indicate that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is implementing significant personnel reductions within a division of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Approximately half of the team responsible for regulating autonomous vehicles is being let go.

Broader NHTSA Reductions

These staff reductions are occurring alongside a wider 10% decrease in personnel at the NHTSA. This overall reduction is being achieved through the elimination of probationary positions and the offering of buyout packages to existing employees.

The timing of these changes coincides with Tesla’s anticipated launch of its robotaxi service, planned for Austin later this year.

Ongoing Tesla Investigations

The NHTSA has previously conducted multiple investigations into Tesla, prompted by accidents occurring while the Autopilot system was in use. Several of these investigations remain active.

In October, a new probe was initiated concerning Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” software. This followed reports of four crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, including one incident resulting in a pedestrian fatality.

Understanding Tesla’s FSD System

Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” capability is described as an advanced driver-assistance system designed for automated driving in both urban and highway settings. Elon Musk has repeatedly stated his intention to refine the camera-based software to achieve complete autonomy.

Despite numerous predictions, full autonomy remains a goal that has consistently been described as being “just around the corner” for several years.

Impact of DOGE Cuts

The Department of Government Efficiency has specifically eliminated three positions within a newly established office dedicated to the oversight of autonomous vehicles. This office originally comprised approximately seven employees.

Sources familiar with the situation express concern that these cuts will diminish the federal government’s capacity to thoroughly evaluate the safety justifications presented by Tesla regarding its vehicles.

Wider Implications for the Industry

The changes at NHTSA will not only affect Tesla but also other companies developing autonomous driving technology. This includes:

• Waymo (Alphabet)
• Zoox (Amazon)

Both Waymo and Zoox are currently subject to safety investigations related to incidents involving their respective autonomous driving systems.

Requests for comment have been directed to both the NHTSA and the Department of Government Efficiency.