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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an probe into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that violated traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority determines they present a danger to road safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body stated it had documented accounts of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD activated, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red signal and was subsequently involved in a crash with other cars in the junction”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned actions as the car was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In October 2024, the authority started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the car self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.