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American vehicle safety authorities have opened an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following several crashes.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Breaches

The NHTSA stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body stated it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD activated, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to drive into the crossroads against the red light and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the junction”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the car's display”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's intended actions as the vehicle was approaching 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 twelve months.

In October 2024, the agency began an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

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 wheel and is prepared to assume control at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not make the car self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.