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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following several crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The NHTSA declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that violated traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The agency reported it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red lights and traveling against 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 activated, “approached an intersection with a red light, continued to travel into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the car's display”.

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

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In late 2024, the authority started an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not render the car self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.