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US automobile safety regulators have opened an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following multiple crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The NHTSA declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency stated it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red lights and traveling against the incorrect direction during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD activated, “came to an intersection with a red light, continued to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was subsequently part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned behaviour as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In October 2024, the agency began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not render the car self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.