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US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after multiple crashes.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Breaches

The NHTSA declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly seeking a recall of the vehicles if the authority concludes they present a danger to road safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red lights and traveling in the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red light, continued to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the junction”.

The authority noted that four crashes had caused injuries to occupants.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's intended behaviour as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In late 2024, the authority began an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these features 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 safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.