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US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after multiple collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA announced that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The regulatory body reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD activated, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded 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 one or more injuries.

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the technology's planned behaviour as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed 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 features are engineered to become more capable, the presently active features do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.