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US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA announced that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving engaged, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

The authority noted that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the proper traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's planned behaviour as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In late 2024, the agency began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to assume control at any moment. While these features are engineered to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.