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American vehicle safety authorities have started an examination into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after several collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The NHTSA declared that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency stated it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect direction during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to drive into the crossroads against the red signal and was subsequently part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the car's display”.

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

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the agency started an investigation into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled features do not make the car autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with current implementations.