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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 multiple collisions.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

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

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly seeking a recall of the vehicles if the authority determines they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD engaged, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other cars in the intersection”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the correct light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “failed to give alerts of the technology's planned actions as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In October 2024, the agency began an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.

Company's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the presently active features do not make the car self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.