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US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following multiple crashes.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that violated traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly requesting a recall of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had documented accounts of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane changes while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using FSD engaged, “came to an intersection with a red light, continued to travel into the crossroads against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

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

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency began an investigation into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active features do not make the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.