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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following multiple accidents.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a recall of the vehicles if the agency concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency stated it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The agency reported that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's intended actions as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the authority began an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active features do not make the vehicle self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with current implementations.