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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after multiple crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency reported it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and moving in the wrong way during lane switching while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated 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 part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

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

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not make the vehicle self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.