Zoox, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon, is facing an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over its claims of compliance with federal safety rules. The company's purpose-built autonomous vehicles, which lack traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals, have raised concerns about safety and regulatory compliance.

Zoox has not requested an exemption to safety rules, unlike other companies like Nuro and GM, which have sought exemptions for their autonomous vehicles. Instead, the company claims it has self-certified its vehicles as compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). However, NHTSA has not granted the company an exemption, and an investigation is ongoing.

The investigation has sparked concerns among safety advocates, who argue that Zoox is sidestepping federal safety laws and putting public safety at risk. The company's plan to roll out its autonomous vehicles in San Francisco and Las Vegas has also raised questions about the regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles. As the autonomous vehicle industry continues to grow, the investigation into Zoox highlights the need for clearer regulations and enforcement to ensure public safety.