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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla vehicles equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following several crashes.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA announced that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling in the wrong way during lane switching while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD activated, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red light and was later part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

The authority reported that four accidents had caused injuries to occupants.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned behaviour as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the authority started an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these features are engineered to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the car autonomous.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with current implementations.