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US automobile safety regulators have opened an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following numerous crashes.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

The NHTSA announced that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body stated it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports 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 signal and was later involved in a collision 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 identified 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, 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 system's intended behaviour as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

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 agency began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for use with a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not make the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.