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

Regulatory Body Finds Traffic Law Violations

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to stay alert and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority determines they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red lights and traveling in the incorrect direction during lane changes while operating the system.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving activated, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, 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 authority noted that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the car's display”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's intended actions as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.

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 late 2024, the agency began an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

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

Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.