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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an probe into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following numerous collisions.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The federal safety agency declared that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane changes while operating the system.

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

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the authority started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these features are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled features do not make the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals possible issues with current implementations.