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

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA declared that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly requesting a recall of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body stated it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving engaged, “came to an intersection with a red light, proceeded to travel into the crossroads despite the red light and was later part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

The authority reported that four accidents had caused injuries to occupants.

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

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

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In October 2024, the agency started an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any time. While these features are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.