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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after multiple collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that violated traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the vehicles if the authority concludes they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect direction during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to drive into the crossroads against the red signal and was later part of a crash with other cars in the intersection”.

The authority reported that four crashes had resulted in one or more injuries.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned 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 a year.

In late 2024, the agency started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.

Company's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with 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 become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.