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US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following numerous crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving engaged, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the intersection”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's intended actions as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the authority began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the vehicle self-driving.”

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