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American vehicle safety authorities have started an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following numerous accidents.

Regulatory Body Finds Traffic Law Violations

The NHTSA declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a recall of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect direction during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was subsequently part of a crash with other cars in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's intended behaviour as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the authority started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not make the vehicle self-driving.”

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