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US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following several crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The federal safety agency stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the authority concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The regulatory body stated it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and moving in the wrong way during lane changes while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using FSD engaged, “came to an intersection with a red light, continued to drive into the intersection despite the red light and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the junction”.

The agency noted that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's planned behaviour as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

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

In October 2024, the authority started an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active features do not make the car self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.