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US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

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

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

Concerning Case Findings

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

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD activated, “came to an intersection with a red light, continued to travel into the crossroads 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 injuries to occupants.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned actions as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these features are engineered to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not make the car autonomous.”

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