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American vehicle safety authorities have started an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following multiple collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane switching while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection despite the red light and was later part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, 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 correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “failed to give alerts of the technology's intended actions as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the agency began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the car self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.