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US automobile safety regulators have opened an probe into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following several crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA announced that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling against the wrong way during lane switching while using the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using FSD activated, “approached an junction with a red light, continued to travel into the crossroads against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

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

Continuing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the authority began an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active features 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 existing deployments.