Regulators Grill Tesla Over Cybercab Design
Tesla faces intense federal oversight as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigates the self-certification of the Cybercab. The vehicle lacks a steering wheel, brake pedal, or human controls, prompting a federal inquiry into its compliance with motor safety standards. Tesla has not yet responded to the inquiry, leaving the delivery timeline uncertain. Meanwhile, the first recorded crash involving a Cybercab occurred in Austin during a pothole strike at 5 mph, adding urgency to the ongoing safety audit.
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- ✓ The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla's self-certification that the Cybercab meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
- ✓ The Cybercab design lacks a steering wheel, brake pedal, or traditional human controls.
- ✓ Tesla experienced its first recorded Cybercab crash during a 5 mph pothole strike in Austin.
- ✓ Lars Moravy revealed that the Cybercab line outpaces robotaxi deployments with 25 stations, no paint shop, and a 10-second cycle target.
What changed
A federal memorandum established an October 30 deadline for answers from Tesla, and the vehicle recorded its first crash in Austin during the active audit.
Live updates
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Tesla Cybercab Faces NHTSA Scrutiny Over Missing Controls
Tesla faces intense federal oversight as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigates the self-certification of the Cybercab. The vehicle lacks a steering wheel, brake pedal, or human controls, prompting a federal inquiry into its compliance with motor safety standards. Tesla has not yet responded to the inquiry, leaving the delivery timeline uncertain. Meanwhile, the first recorded crash involving a Cybercab occurred in Austin during a pothole strike at 5 mph, adding urgency to the ongoing safety audit.
Why it matters
Federal safety regulators ordered Tesla to prove that the steering wheel-free vehicle complies with standard regulations. The ongoing federal review highlights the tension between aggressive deployment timelines and regulatory approval. Competition in the autonomous vehicle sector continues to build as rival firms secure operational facilities.
What is confirmed
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla's self-certification that the Cybercab meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
- The Cybercab design lacks a steering wheel, brake pedal, or traditional human controls.
- Tesla experienced its first recorded Cybercab crash during a 5 mph pothole strike in Austin.
- Lars Moravy revealed that the Cybercab line outpaces robotaxi deployments with 25 stations, no paint shop, and a 10-second cycle target.
Still unconfirmed
- Tesla still hopes that the Cybercab will reach customers soon despite the pending regulatory inquiry.
- Amazon-owned Zoox moved closer to securing Santa Monica parking facilities for 150 robotaxis.
What to watch next
- Tesla response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration inquiry
- Federal approval decisions regarding the Cybercab safety certification
- Consumer delivery dates for the Cybercab
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.teslarati.com — Tesla has a Cybercab problem nobody saw coming
- autoautous.com — NHTSA Investigation: Tesla Cybercab Faces Regulatory ...
- carbuzz.com — Tesla Pushing Driverless Cybercab Deliveries, With ... - CarBuzz
- aguiarinjurylawyers.com — Tesla Cybercab Safety Certification - aguiarinjurylawyers.com
- finance.yahoo.com — ‘Where Are The Cybercabs?’ Tesla Investor Ross Gerber Takes ...
- www.basenor.com — The Cybercab Rollout, Explained in 5 Points - basenor.com
- www.gadgetreview.com — NHTSA Just Ordered Tesla to Prove the Cybercab Is Legal to ...
- finance.yahoo.com — Tesla Stocks Move Lower With Cybercab Certification Response ...
- www.gadgetreview.com — Tesla's First Cybercab Crash Lands Inside an Active NHTSA ...
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Regulators Probe Tesla Cybercab Over Design
Tesla faces scrutiny from US regulators over its steering wheel-free Cybercab design as it plans to sell the vehicle to individual consumers by the end of 2026. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is auditing 1,000 units to verify Tesla's self-certification of the vehicle's lack of traditional controls. The Cybercab launch coincides with regulatory uncertainty, with questions surrounding compliance with federal safety standards.
Why it matters
The NHTSA audit and proposed new rules for driverless vehicles reflect growing concerns about the safety and regulation of autonomous vehicles on public roads. Tesla's plans to sell the Cybercab to individual consumers have raised questions about the vehicle's compliance with federal safety standards, particularly given its lack of pedals and traditional controls. The outcome of the NHTSA audit and proposed rules could have significant implications for the future of autonomous vehicles.
What is confirmed
- Tesla plans to begin selling its driverless Cybercab vehicles to the public by the end of 2026.
- The Cybercab vehicle lacks pedals and authorized unsupervised autonomous driving approval.
- The NHTSA has set an October 30 deadline for the current audit process.
- Tesla launched the Cybercab in September 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- Tesla is weeks away from selling steering wheel-pedal-free Cybercabs to private buyers.
What to watch next
- NHTSA's decision on Tesla Cybercab's safety certification
- Tesla's Cybercab launch in Dallas in November 2026
- The NHTSA's October 30 deadline for the audit process
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.basenor.com — NHTSA Proposes New Rules to Clear Path for Tesla Cybercab
- finance.yahoo.com — Tesla wants to sell a car with no steering wheel this year
- www.tekedia.com — Tesla Targets Public Cybercab Sales by Year-End as US Safety ...
- www.thedrive.com — Tesla is ready to sell Cybercabs with no steering wheel or ...
- finance.yahoo.com — Tesla Targets Dallas Cybercab Launch as Regulators Probe Safety
- carcody.com — Tesla Cybercab’s NHTSA Problem: Controls, Compliance and ...
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NHTSA Audits 1,000 Steering Wheel-Free Cybercabs Amid Retail Plans
Tesla intends to sell the steering wheel-free Cybercab to individual consumers by the end of 2026. This plan coincides with an NHTSA audit of 1,000 units to verify self-certification of the vehicle's lack of traditional controls. While Tesla launched the Cybercab in September 2026, the vehicle lacks pedals and authorized unsupervised autonomous driving approval. These regulatory gaps mean retail buyers may face severe restrictions on where the two-seater can legally operate. The NHTSA has set an October 30 deadline for the current audit process.
Why it matters
The Cybercab is a dedicated robotaxi designed without a steering wheel or pedals. Its deployment follows a period of leadership instability at Giga Texas and ongoing investigations into vehicle deceleration in school zones.
What is confirmed
- Tesla launched the Cybercab in September 2026.
- The Cybercab lacks a steering wheel and pedals.
- Tesla plans to sell the Cybercab to consumers before the end of 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- NHTSA is auditing the self-certification of 1,000 units with an October 30 deadline.
- Retail buyers will face severe restrictions on where the vehicle can legally operate due to a lack of unsupervised autonomous driving approval.
What to watch next
- NHTSA audit results due October 30
- Official confirmation of retail availability dates
- Regulatory approval for unsupervised autonomous driving
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (5)
- autoautous.com — The Robotaxi Landscape: How Tesla Cybercab Stacks Up Against ...
- shattered.io — Tesla Cybercab Faces NHTSA Probe of 1,000 Units - shattered.io
- evdigest.org — Tesla Plans to Sell Steering Wheel-Free Cybercab to Consumers ...
- electrek.co — Tesla wants to sell you a useless car with no steering wheel ...
- www.feedzop.com — Tesla Cybercab Safety Probe Amidst Autonomous Launch Plans
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Federal Regulators Probe Tesla Cybercab for School Zone Speeding
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla Cybercabs and Model Y robotaxis following reports that the vehicles fail to decelerate in active school zones. This defect petition review focuses on speeding allegations supported by social media footage. Simultaneously, Tesla is facing leadership instability in its production chain as the general assembly lead for the Cybercab at Giga Texas has departed to join Rivian. These regulatory hurdles and personnel losses threaten the deployment timeline for Tesla's steering-wheel-free autonomous fleet.
Why it matters
The Cybercab lacks traditional pedals, mirrors, and steering wheels, making federal safety certification critical for public road use. This investigation follows a pattern of federal oversight into Tesla's autonomous driving software. The loss of key assembly leadership suggests internal friction during the scale-up phase.
What is confirmed
- Federal regulators are reviewing a defect petition regarding Tesla robotaxis speeding in school zones.
- The NHTSA investigation includes both Cybercabs and Model Y robotaxis.
Still unconfirmed
- The head of Cybercab NPI left Tesla months prior to the general assembly lead's departure.
What to watch next
- NHTSA final determination on the school zone defect petition
- Tesla's appointment of a new general assembly lead for the Cybercab
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- carbuzz.com — Feds Investigating Tesla Cybercab Robotaxis For Speeding In School Zones
- pioneerlands.org — Tesla Roadster side repeaters mimic Cybercab design ...
- finance.biggo.com — Rob Grant: Tesla Now Faces Two Separate Federal Gates to ...
- electrek.co — Tesla loses Cybercab assembly lead to Rivian R2 weeks after ...
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NHTSA Opens Defect Review Into Tesla Robotaxis Over School Zones
Federal regulators opened a defect petition review on October 12, 2026, targeting Tesla robotaxis over allegations that the autonomous vehicles failed to slow down in active school zones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is examining Model Y robotaxis and Cybercabs following complaints of speeding. This scrutiny adds to ongoing federal oversight regarding the unconventional design of the Cybercab, which operates without traditional pedals, rearview mirrors, or a steering wheel.
Why it matters
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration previously denied Tesla an eight-week delay, setting an October 30 deadline for the automaker to explain how the steering wheel-less Cybercab meets safety standards. Tesla recently secured a United States design patent for the two-door fastback body of the vehicle. Public operation of the Cybercab in Austin has encountered repeated federal interventions regarding its missing standard controls.
What is confirmed
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a defect-petition review on October 12, 2026, over claims that Tesla Model Y robotaxis and Cybercabs did not slow down in active school zones.
- Federal regulators are reviewing a petition calling for an investigation into alleged speeding violations by Tesla driverless vehicles.
What to watch next
- Tesla's response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration due by October 30 regarding Cybercab safety standards.
- Further regulatory actions or formal investigations stemming from the school zone speeding petition.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.businessinsider.com — Tesla's Robotaxis Catch the Eye of a US Regulator — Again ...
- gizmodo.com — Feds Eye Probe Into Reports of Tesla Robotaxis Zooming Through School Zones
- autoautous.com — NHTSA Escalates Cybercab Safety Scrutiny: Three Federal ...
- tradingnews24.com — Tesla Advances Cybercab Plans as Regulators Review Safety ...
- gmteight.com — GMT EIGHT - Tesla, Inc. (TSLA.US) Robotaxi Faces Another ...
- www.yahoo.com — Tesla robotaxis face NHTSA review over alleged school zone ...
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NHTSA Sets October 30 Deadline for Tesla Cybercab Safety Defense
Federal regulators granted Tesla an extension until October 30 to explain how its steering wheel-less Cybercab meets safety standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration denied the company's request for an eight-week delay. Meanwhile, regulators are reviewing a petition claiming about one thousand Tesla robotaxis speed in active school zones. The vehicle rollout continues to face oversight hurdles regarding its unconventional design, which lacks traditional pedals and rearview mirrors. On the design front, Tesla secured a United States design patent for the two-door fastback body.
Why it matters
The regulatory scrutiny surrounds Tesla's push into autonomous fleet sales and rides in Austin. Investors initially drove the stock up seven percent before enthusiasm cooled amid regulatory interventions. The company also faces software development updates, with a user interface engineer confirming that on-demand rear and repeater camera views for riders are in development.
What is confirmed
- The NHTSA gave Tesla until October 30 to explain how the steering wheel-less Cybercab meets federal safety standards.
- Patent D1,151,323 S was granted on October 6 to protect the look of the two-door fastback body drawn by Franz von Holzhausen.
- The NHTSA is reviewing a petition claiming Tesla robotaxis speed in active school zones, affecting an estimated 1,000 vehicles.
Still unconfirmed
- A Tesla UI engineer stated on X that on-demand rear and repeater camera views for Cybercab riders are in development.
What to watch next
- Tesla's official response to the NHTSA by the October 30 deadline regarding federal safety standards.
- Regulatory decisions from the NHTSA regarding the school zone speeding petition.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.notateslaapp.com — Tesla Gets Extension to Respond to NHTSA's Cybercab Probe
- autoautous.com — Cybercab’s Hidden Manuals and What It Means for Tesla’s ...
- evdigest.org — NHTSA Grants Tesla Extension for Cybercab Safety Standard ...
- www.cybercab.news — Shape Locked In: Tesla Wins a U.S. Design Patent for the ...
- motorbeast.org — Tesla’s Rare-Earth-Free Motor: What It Actually Means
- teslanorth.com — Tesla Engineer Says Cybercab Rider Cameras Are Coming
- electrek.co — NHTSA weighs probe into claims Tesla Robotaxis speed in school zones
- nypost.com — Tesla robotaxis face investigation over alleged speeding in school zones
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Tesla Faces Regulatory Scrutiny Over Cybercab Design
Tesla's Cybercab is under investigation by the NHTSA for its design lacking steering wheels, pedals, and rearview mirrors. The company missed a September 30 deadline to respond to a Special Order from the regulator. Despite launching rides in Austin and opening fleet sales, Tesla faces potential limitations on the vehicle's deployment.
Why it matters
The investigation is significant as it could impact the deployment of Tesla's autonomous vehicles. The Cybercab has been spotted in Seattle, with local authorities confirming the vehicles have steering wheels and pedals and are being driven by people. This development comes as Tesla continues to expand its autonomous vehicle offerings.
What is confirmed
- Tesla's Cybercab lacks steering wheels, pedals, and rearview mirrors.
- The company missed a September 30 deadline to respond to a Special Order from the NHTSA.
- Tesla launched rides in Austin and opened fleet sales for the Cybercab.
- Local authorities in Seattle confirmed the Cybercab vehicles have steering wheels and pedals and are being driven by people.
What to watch next
- NHTSA's response to Tesla's potential non-compliance
- Tesla's revised response to the NHTSA's Special Order
- The impact of the investigation on Tesla's autonomous vehicle deployments
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- en.wikipedia.org — Regulator Movement in North Carolina - Wikipedia
- www.tutorialspoint.com — Electronic Circuits - Regulators - Online Tutorials Library
- www.mcmaster.com — Regulators | McMaster-Carr
- dictionary.cambridge.org — REGULATOR | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
- dictionary.cambridge.org — REGULATOR | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
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Tesla Faces NHTSA Scrutiny Over Cybercab Design
Tesla's Cybercab is under investigation by the NHTSA for its design, which lacks steering wheels, pedals, and rearview mirrors. The company missed a September 30 deadline to respond to a Special Order from the regulator. Despite launching rides in Austin and opening fleet sales, Tesla faces potential limitations on the vehicle's deployment. The Cybercab has been spotted in Seattle, with local authorities confirming the vehicles have steering wheels and pedals and are being driven by people.
Why it matters
The NHTSA investigation is focused on whether Tesla's Cybercab design meets existing safety rules and if the company used removable controls during certification. This comes as Tesla aims to expand its autonomous vehicle operations, with the Cybercab launch in Austin seen as a crucial step. The vehicle's design and testing have raised questions about its compliance with current regulations.
What is confirmed
- Tesla's Cybercab was launched in Austin a month ago.
- The vehicle has been spotted in Seattle with steering wheels and pedals.
- Tesla has named the Cybercab's RGB light bar the "Megalamp".
- Tesla had 420 autonomous vehicles registered in Texas, including 45 Cybercabs.
Still unconfirmed
- The NHTSA may limit the Cybercab to a small annual exemption of 2,500 cars per year.
What to watch next
- Tesla's response to the NHTSA's Special Order
- The regulator's decision on potential limitations for the Cybercab
- The expansion of Cybercab operations beyond Austin
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- bellevueseattle.com — FOLLOWUP: What SDOT says about those Cybercab sightings
- www.cnbc.com — Tesla Cybercab pressure to expand after rocky first month in ...
- teslanorth.com — Tesla Names Cybercab’s RGB Light Bar the “Megalamp”
- startupfortune.com — Tesla's Cybercab Hits an NHTSA Probe Just Hours Into Its ...
- finance.yahoo.com — Why Tesla (TSLA) Stock Is Trading Up Today - Yahoo Finance
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Tesla Faces NHTSA Compliance Deadline for Steering-Wheel-Free Cybercab
Tesla missed a September 30 deadline to answer a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Special Order regarding the Cybercab's lack of steering wheels, pedals, and rearview mirrors. The NHTSA is investigating how this design meets existing safety rules and whether Tesla used removable controls during certification. While Tesla has launched rides in Austin and opened fleet sales, the regulator may limit the vehicle to a small annual exemption, similar to a previous Zoox precedent of 2,500 cars per year.
Why it matters
Elon Musk intends for the Cybercab to transition Tesla into a dominant autonomous vehicle provider. The vehicle's radical architecture departs from conventional automotive design, triggering federal scrutiny over safety reporting and vehicle architecture.
What is confirmed
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a formal Special Order to Tesla on September 10, 2026.
- The Cybercab design lacks a steering wheel, pedals, and rearview mirrors.
- Tesla opened Cybercab fleet sales to operators on September 3.
- Tesla secured $30 billion in new credit lines but does not plan to use them this year.
- Tesla planned at least $25 billion in capital expenditures for the current year.
- Lars Moravy and Dan Priestley stated that the Cybercab and Semi share a thermal architecture.
Still unconfirmed
- The NHTSA may cap Cybercab exemptions at 2,500 cars a year based on a Zoox precedent.
- Tesla owes the NHTSA 21 specific answers regarding the Cybercab.
What to watch next
- NHTSA ruling on whether the Cybercab can operate without major modifications
- Tesla's response to the Special Order regarding removable controls
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.thetechedvocate.org — Unprecedented Showdown: Tesla’s Cybercab Faces Make-or-Break Deadline for NHTSA Approval
- www.evshift.com — NHTSA’s Cybercab Inquiry: What Tesla Must Answer Today
- techcrunch.com — Tesla secures $30B in new credit lines as it looks to scale ...
- autoautous.com — Tesla Cybercab Regulatory Crucible: What Today’s NHTSA ...
- theautowire.com — Tesla Cybercab NHTSA Answers Due Sept. 30, and the Zoox Precedent
- tslainvestors.com — Tesla Cybercab and Semi have more in common than you might think
- www.teslarati.com — Tesla Cybercab and Semi have more in common than you might think
- www.businessinsider.tw — MKBHD的頭髮暫時仍安全 Elon Musk表示特斯拉Cybercab服務要到2027年才...
- autos.yahoo.com — Tesla Owes NHTSA 21 Cybercab Answers Today. Zoox’s Version ...
- autoautous.com — What Tesla Cybercab Ownership Actually Looks Like: Real ...
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Tesla Faces Scrutiny as Unvouched Cybercabs Surface in NYC
Federal regulators continue to investigate whether Tesla complied with safety standards when launching its steering-wheel-free Cybercab. Tesla launched the vehicle in Austin on September 3rd, beginning public rides in a vehicle lacking a steering wheel twenty-five days ago. Meanwhile, the New York City Department of Transportation was not informed that Tesla deployed Cybercabs within the five boroughs. CEO Elon Musk views the Cybercab as central to transforming Tesla into a dominant force in autonomous vehicles, even as federal regulators evaluate safety reporting standards and vehicle architecture.
Why it matters
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets rules for auto safety and is currently updating guidelines for autonomous vehicle technology. Regulators are allowing robotaxis to operate without steering wheels and potentially brake pedals, while competitors such as Amazon's Zoox have received approval to charge customers for rides in Las Vegas. Industry growth continues alongside Waymo and Tesla despite ongoing concerns regarding safety data.
What is confirmed
- Tesla launched the Cybercab in Austin on September 3rd.
- Public rides in the steering-wheel-free Cybercab began twenty-five days prior to September 28, 2026.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into whether Tesla complied with federal safety standards for the launch.
- CEO Elon Musk stated the Cybercab is key to transforming Tesla into a dominant force in driverless vehicles.
Still unconfirmed
- Tesla deployed Cybercabs in the five boroughs of New York City without informing the city transportation department.
What to watch next
- Any official response or enforcement action from the New York City Department of Transportation regarding unannounced Cybercab deployments.
- Updates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding its investigation into Tesla's safety compliance.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- gothamist.com — Are Tesla’s Cybercabs racing past NYC regulators?
- www.youtube.com — Tesla Cybercab Is Finally REAL — No Steering Wheel, No Driver!
- autoautous.com — The Regulatory Reckoning: What Tesla’s NHTSA Investigation ...
- carbuzz.com — Tesla's Cybercab Launch Just Turned 2021-2024 Model 3 And ...
- daxstreet.com — 10 Vehicles With the Most Open Investigations at NHTSA
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — tesla robotaxi update: Latest News & Videos, Photos about ...
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Regulators Press Tesla Over Cybercab Design
Federal regulators have ordered Tesla to answer questions regarding the design and certification of its Cybercab vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration instructed the company to prove the vehicle meets federal safety standards and is legal to sell. Authorities are specifically pressing Tesla on whether the Cybercab may include an option for human control. The inquiries focus heavily on compliance and vehicle architecture as regulators evaluate the autonomous vehicle design.
Why it matters
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration oversees compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards in the United States. Regulatory scrutiny on autonomous vehicles typically centers on whether unconventional designs without standard human controls meet existing legal requirements. Tesla faces mounting pressure to demonstrate compliance before the vehicle can be offered for sale.
What is confirmed
- Regulators are pressing Tesla on whether the Cybercab may have an option for human control.
- A US agency ordered Tesla to answer questions on Cybercab certification.
- The NHTSA stated Tesla must prove the Cybercab is legal to sell and meets federal safety standards.
Still unconfirmed
- The Cybercab failure is worse than initially perceived.
What to watch next
- Tesla responses to the regulatory questions regarding Cybercab certification
- Official NHTSA determinations on whether the Cybercab meets federal safety standards
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- Seeking Alpha — Tesla: The Cybercab Failure Is Worse Than You Think (NASDAQ:TSLA)
- wsj.com — Regulators Press Tesla on Whether Cybercab May Have Option for Human Control
- Reuters — US agency orders Tesla to answer questions on Cybercab certification
- Investor's Business Daily — Regulators Grill Tesla Over Cybercab Design
- Yahoo Finance — Tesla must prove Cybercab is legal to sell, NHTSA says
- Gizmodo — NHTSA Orders Tesla to Prove Its Cybercab Meets Federal Safety Standards
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