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

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The federal safety agency declared that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly requesting a recall of the vehicles if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane switching while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using FSD engaged, “approached an intersection with a red light, proceeded to travel 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 accidents had caused injuries to occupants.

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct light status in the car's display”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's intended behaviour 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 being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the agency started an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these features are designed to improve over time, the presently active features do not make the vehicle autonomous.”

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