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American vehicle safety authorities have commenced an examination into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following several crashes.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and traveling in the wrong way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using FSD activated, “approached an intersection with a red light, proceeded to drive into the crossroads against the red light and was later part of a crash with other cars in the junction”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the correct light status in the car's display”.

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

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In October 2024, the agency started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled features do not render the car self-driving.”

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