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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an probe into Tesla vehicles equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following numerous accidents.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

The federal safety agency stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection despite the red light and was later part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Further Issues Identified

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

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

Ongoing Official Examination

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 began an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the car self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.