Dear Tesla Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for September 30

Tesla (TSLA) investors have a key date to watch as the company’s ambitious Robotaxi strategy faces a fresh regulatory test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has requested Tesla to answer a series of questions by Sept. 30 regarding how the company self-certified its Cybercab as compliant with federal motor vehicle safety standards. The inquiry comes shortly after Tesla began commercial deployment of Cybercab in Austin, Texas on Sept. 3.

The NHTSA is examining the technical data and certification process Tesla relied on, including whether temporarily installed human-driver controls or other equipment played a role in establishing compliance. The agency is also asking whether the Cybercab can be driven by a human, whether occupants can move the vehicle through touchscreen controls, and what limits apply to its speed, operating hours, and more. The questions are particularly significant because the Cybercab lacks conventional controls such as a steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, as well as a rearview mirror.