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

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The federal safety agency declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using FSD activated, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the crossroads against the red signal and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one news account 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 failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the technology's planned actions as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Ongoing Official Examination

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

In October 2024, the agency started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.

Company's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these features are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the car self-driving.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.