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US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following numerous crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly requesting a recall of the vehicles if the authority concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The agency reported it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the wrong direction during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving engaged, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was subsequently part of a crash with other cars in the junction”.

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

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

Ongoing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the authority started an investigation into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, the presently active functions do not make the car self-driving.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.