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

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

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

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD activated, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the crossroads despite the red light and was later part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the technology's intended actions as the car was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the authority started an investigation into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.

Company's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any moment. While these features are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the car self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals possible issues with existing deployments.