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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an examination into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following numerous crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly seeking a recall of the cars if the authority determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving activated, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red signal and was subsequently part of a crash with other cars in the junction”.

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the technology's planned actions as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing 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 October 2024, the authority started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with current implementations.