New Delhi: Things didn't go exactly as planned for . Within hours of launching its paid driverless ride service on Sunday, videos started surfacing online that showed these self-driving Model Ys breaking basic traffic rules.

From wrong-lane turns to speeding past limits, it didn't take long before US road safety regulators began asking questions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has now confirmed it is in touch with Tesla to gather more details. While the agency hasn't formally launched an investigation, its statement indicates it's not taking these incidents lightly. Tesla, meanwhile, maintains that details of its operations are confidential business information.

Robotaxi seen swerving into wrong lane

One of the most talked-about clips was shared by a well-known Tesla investor, who documented his ride in a driverless Model Y. The vehicle, after entering a left-turn-only lane at an Austin intersection, hesitated, then abruptly swerved into an opposing lane before correcting itself. The moment caught attention not just for the erratic movement but also the sound of a horn from a nearby vehicle, indicating a close call.

Another video, streamed live by a Tesla enthusiast on YouTube, showed the car missing its pull-over command. After the rear screen button was pressed for a safe stop, the robotaxi simply halted in the middle of the road. It took not one, but two remote support calls to get the car moving and re-route it to the intended destination.

Speeding on day one

The robotaxis weren't just confused by turns. Multiple users pointed out that the vehicles were also going above posted speed limits. In one case, a self-driving Tesla was seen accelerating to around 39 miles per hour (62.7 kmph) in a 35 mph (56.3 kmph) zone. Another video showed a vehicle hitting 35 mph (56.3 kmph) shortly after passing a 30 mph (48.2 kmph) sign.

This isn't the first time NHTSA has raised concerns around Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. In fact, it has been investigating how Tesla's automated systems behave in conditions like glare, fog, and dust. That ongoing probe already covers 2.4 million Teslas after incidents including a fatal crash in 2023.

What Tesla has told regulators

Tesla has reportedly told the NHTSA that its responses to the safety questions should not be made public, calling the data confidential. Meanwhile, the agency says it does not pre-approve vehicle tech before deployment, and instead relies on manufacturers to self-certify safety compliance.

The City of Austin, where this robotaxi trial is running, said no safety complaints have been officially filed so far. But the growing pile of user-shared videos tells a different story.

A rocky road ahead for Tesla's driverless plans?

The early stumbles in Austin raise fresh questions about how ready Tesla's robotaxi tech really is for real-world roads. Elon Musk may have celebrated the rollout with employees, but the issues flagged in these early test rides show there's still a long way to go.