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US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after several collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection against the red signal and was later involved in a collision with other cars in the intersection”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the car's display”.

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

Ongoing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the authority began an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer'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 steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the presently active features do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.