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US automobile safety regulators have opened an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following several crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The federal safety agency stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The agency reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using FSD engaged, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection despite the red light and was subsequently part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

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

Continuing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the authority started an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog 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 use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, the currently enabled features do not make the car self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals possible issues with current implementations.