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US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after multiple crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane changes while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection against the red light and was later part of a crash with other cars in the intersection”.

The agency reported that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's intended actions as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In late 2024, the authority started an investigation into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Official Stance

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

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.