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American vehicle safety authorities have opened an probe into Tesla vehicles equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after multiple crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect direction during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving activated, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the crossroads against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The authority reported that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

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

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 late 2024, the authority started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, the presently active features do not make the car self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.