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American vehicle safety authorities have commenced an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following several crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA stated that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the authority determines they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

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

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded 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 accidents had caused injuries to occupants.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct light status in the car's display”.

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

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the agency began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these features are designed to improve over time, the presently active features do not make the car autonomous.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.