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American vehicle safety authorities have started an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following multiple crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection against the red signal and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the intersection”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the technology's intended behaviour as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In October 2024, the authority began an investigation into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

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 ready to assume control at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the vehicle autonomous.”

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