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American vehicle safety authorities have started an probe into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following several crashes.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The federal safety agency stated that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly requesting a recall of the vehicles if the agency determines they pose a risk to road safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and moving against the wrong direction during lane changes while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

The agency noted that four crashes had caused injuries to occupants.

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the proper traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned actions as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

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 started an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

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 designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not render the car self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.