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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after several collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly requesting a recall of the vehicles if the authority determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency stated it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane switching while using the technology.

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

The agency reported that four crashes had caused one or more injuries.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's planned actions as the car was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In October 2024, the agency began an investigation into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

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

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.