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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after numerous crashes.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Breaches

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

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

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane switching while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving activated, “came to an intersection with a red light, proceeded to travel into the crossroads despite the red light and was subsequently part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stopped for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's planned actions as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In October 2024, the agency began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled features do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

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