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American vehicle safety authorities have started an probe into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after multiple collisions.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The federal safety agency stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially requesting a recall of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane changes while using the system.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD activated, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's planned behaviour as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In October 2024, the agency began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not render the car self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with current implementations.