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US automobile safety regulators have opened an examination into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following multiple crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially requesting a recall of the vehicles if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The agency stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and moving against the wrong way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “came to an junction with a red light, proceeded to travel into the intersection despite the red light and was later part of a collision with other cars in the junction”.

The authority noted that four accidents had caused one or more injuries.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct traffic signal state in the car's display”.

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

Continuing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, 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 documented crashes in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, 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 driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.