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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following several collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The federal safety agency announced that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the authority determines they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane switching while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving engaged, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was later involved in a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one media report claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the car's display”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's planned actions as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency started an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four documented crashes in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Company'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 features are engineered to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.