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US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following several accidents.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the authority concludes they present a danger to road safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body stated it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane changes while using the system.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD activated, “came to an junction with a red light, continued to travel into the intersection despite the red light and was subsequently part of a collision with other cars in the junction”.

The agency noted that four accidents had caused injuries to occupants.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the correct light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the technology's planned behaviour as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.

Ongoing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, 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 conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

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