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US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly seeking a recall of the vehicles if the agency concludes they present a danger to road safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, “came to an intersection 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 intersection”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's planned actions as the car was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In October 2024, the agency started an investigation into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any time. While these features are designed to improve over time, the presently active features do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.