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US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before potentially requesting a recall of the vehicles if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving activated, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the intersection against the red light and was later part of a crash with other cars in the junction”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency started an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these features are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not make the vehicle autonomous.”

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