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

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority determines they present a danger to road safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD engaged, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the crossroads despite the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other cars in the junction”.

The agency noted that four accidents had caused injuries to occupants.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the technology's planned actions as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.

Ongoing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been being examined 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, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle 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 existing deployments.