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US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla vehicles equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after multiple collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane changes while using the system.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving activated, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the crossroads against the red signal and was subsequently involved in a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

The agency reported that four crashes had caused injuries to occupants.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the correct light status in the car's display”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's intended actions as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the authority began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.