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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an examination into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following multiple collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA stated that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation 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.

Concerning Incident Reports

The regulatory body stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane changes while operating the system.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD engaged, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to drive into the intersection against the red signal and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four accidents had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give alerts of the technology's intended actions as the car was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the authority started an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.