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US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after numerous crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

The NHTSA declared that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

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

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency stated it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD activated, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the crossroads despite the red light and was later part of a collision with other cars in the intersection”.

The authority reported that four accidents had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's intended behaviour as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In October 2024, the agency started an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert 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 functions do not make the vehicle autonomous.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.