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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The federal safety agency announced that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency stated it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using FSD activated, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four accidents had caused one or more injuries.

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give alerts 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 basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the agency started an investigation into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these features are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.