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US automobile safety regulators have opened an probe into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following several collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Breaches

The federal safety agency declared that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and moving against the wrong direction during lane switching while operating the system.

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

The agency reported that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's intended actions as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

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 bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled features do not render the car self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals possible issues with current implementations.