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American vehicle safety authorities have commenced an examination into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following multiple collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that violated traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had documented accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane switching while using 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 light, proceeded to travel into the intersection despite the red light and was subsequently involved in a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's planned actions as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Official Stance

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

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.