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US automobile safety regulators have opened an probe into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after numerous accidents.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA announced that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially requesting a recall of the cars if the authority determines they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red lights and moving against the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving engaged, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection despite the red light and was later part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The agency noted that four accidents had caused one or more injuries.

Additional Issues Identified

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 stationary for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the technology's intended behaviour as the vehicle was coming to 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 October 2024, the agency started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the car 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.