🔗 Share this article

US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla vehicles equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after several crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency stated it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using FSD activated, “came to an junction with a red light, proceeded to drive into the intersection against the red signal and was later part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

The agency noted that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through 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 correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

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

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 inquiry into over two 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 2023, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not render the car self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.