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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following multiple crashes.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Violations

The federal safety agency declared that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that violated traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially requesting 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 running red lights and moving against the incorrect direction during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving engaged, “approached an intersection with a red light, proceeded to drive into the crossroads against the red signal and was later part of a collision with other cars in the junction”.

The agency noted that four crashes had resulted in one or more injuries.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's intended behaviour as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency began an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

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

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.