Who holds regulatory authority over a vehicle that flies, hovers, or otherwise overcomes gravity? Department of Transportation representatives were consulted, yet a definitive response remains elusive.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, presented the new Roadster Rocket. He described it as a flying car fitted with ultra high-pressure air tanks, the result of teamwork between the leading car manufacturer and the premier rocket company. Production for the vehicle, already delayed by roughly a decade, is slated to begin in 2028.

Persistent technical and regulatory hurdles have stalled progress in the flying car industry. Tesla notes on its site that the flying version lacks approval for public roads. Buyers can reserve a standard model online with a 5000 dollar deposit, while the Rocket edition with full flight capability will be available solely by invitation.

Determining the Roadster safety falls to relevant agencies, with time still available to clarify roles. A senior Department of Transportation official voiced doubt about the vehicle achieving actual flight yet conceded the oversight picture lacks clarity.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration generally regulates vehicles, though it allows automakers to self-certify safety compliance.

NHTSA stated that even if the vehicle seems to challenge physics, the maker must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and drivers must follow all local traffic rules. The agency will keep monitoring developments and act promptly to safeguard the public.

Should the Roadster operate above ground in public spaces, responsibility would likely move to the FAA for aircraft regulation. The FAA informed CBS News that the Tesla vehicle fails to qualify under its aircraft definition.

The recent demo featured the car departing a curved ramp while inverted, appearing to resist gravity before launching off the end and rotating 180 degrees in the air to land upright.

CBS News contacted Tesla regarding the agencies involved in its development. Updates will follow any response.

In:

Tesla
United States Department of Transportation
Elon Musk