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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after multiple collisions.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

The federal safety agency stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The agency stated it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect direction during lane switching while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving activated, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the intersection against the red signal and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four accidents had caused injuries to occupants.

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

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

Ongoing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the agency started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed 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 capabilities are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals possible issues with current implementations.