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American vehicle safety authorities have started an probe into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after numerous accidents.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA 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 violated traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority determines they pose a risk to road safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection against the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned behaviour as the car was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the authority began an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not render the car autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.