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US automobile safety regulators have opened an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following several accidents.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The federal safety agency announced that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before potentially seeking a recall of the vehicles if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving activated, “approached an intersection with a red light, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red signal and was later involved in a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The authority reported that four accidents had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's intended actions as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency started an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active features do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with current implementations.