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

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the technology.

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

The agency reported that four crashes had resulted in one or more injuries.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the correct light status in the car's display”.

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

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the agency started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

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

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