🔗 Share this article

US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following numerous crashes.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The NHTSA declared that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly seeking a recall of the cars if the authority concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The agency reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane changes while operating the technology.

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

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In late 2024, the authority began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to assume control at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active features do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.