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American vehicle safety authorities have commenced an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following multiple crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the vehicles if the authority concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the wrong direction during lane changes while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “came to an intersection with a red light, proceeded to drive into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD active, did not stay stationary 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 vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned behaviour as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Ongoing Official Examination

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

In October 2024, the agency started an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

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 take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.