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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the authority determines they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect direction during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving engaged, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the crossroads despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the junction”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the technology's planned actions 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 October 2024, the authority began an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. 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 safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.