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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after numerous accidents.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The NHTSA announced that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency stated it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane changes while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the crossroads against the red signal and was subsequently part of a crash with other cars in the junction”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the car's display”.

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

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In late 2024, the authority began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

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

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.