🔗 Share this article

US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after numerous crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Traffic Law Breaches

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

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The agency stated it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and moving against the wrong direction during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using FSD engaged, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the crossroads against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's intended behaviour as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, 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 inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to improve over time, the presently active features do not render the car self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.