The agency is currently evaluating the evidence provided by the petitioner to decide whether to launch a full-scale probe into the vehicles' automated software. While the review remains in its preliminary stage, the focus rests on whether the navigation systems accurately identify and comply with temporary traffic restrictions near schools.

Tesla has yet to issue a public response regarding the specific claims involving the 2026 model year vehicles. If the NHTSA grants the petition, it would mark a significant escalation in the regulatory scrutiny surrounding the company's newest autonomous fleet and its real-world performance on public roads.