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

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

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

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling against the wrong way during lane changes while using the system.

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

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.

Ongoing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the authority started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these features are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled features do not render the car autonomous.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.