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US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after several crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the authority concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling against the wrong direction during lane switching while using the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection despite the red light and was later involved in a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The agency noted that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, driving through 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 failed to accurately detect and display the correct light status in the car's display”.

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

Ongoing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the authority started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

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

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.