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The Tesla Roadster (pictured) is another step closer to reality now that the NHTSA has granted an airbag standard waiver for three years. (Photo courtesy of Tesla Motors)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tesla Motors dodged a major speed bump on Monday when the government granted it a waiver on a federal airbag standard. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it would grant Tesla a three-year exemption from the rule, saying the automaker has made an effort to comply and noting that the vehicle is still equipped with standard airbags for all passengers.

Last week, Tesla Motors said it had received all regulatory approvals to import the first production Tesla Roadster (P1) for sale and said it had completed “all federal motor vehicle safety standards.” The first P1 is due to arrive at Tesla headquarters in San Carlos, California, sometime this week.

NHTSA estimates that the three-year waiver will cover 3,825 Roadsters. The federal regulators said they were concerned that the company could be forced out of business if it had to meet an airbag standard. NHTSA said the “public interest is served by encouraging the development of fuel-efficient and alternative-fueled vehicles.”

Tesla uses the Lotus Elise as the basis for its Roadster. The Elise was granted an exemption from a 2006 federal rule requiring airbags that vary their deployment based on a passenger’s size. Tesla had to seek its own waiver, however, or be barred from selling the car in the U.S.

Last week, Tesla Motors announced it will kick off production of the Roadster on March 17, with full production slated for late this year.

What this means to you: The Tesla Roadster takes yet another step toward becoming a reality in your driveway. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent