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US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after numerous crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The federal safety agency stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially requesting a recall of the vehicles if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD engaged, “came to an intersection with a red light, continued to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was subsequently part of a collision with other cars in the junction”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the car's display”.

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

Continuing Official Examination

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

In October 2024, the authority started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled features do not make the vehicle autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.