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US automobile safety regulators have opened an examination into Tesla vehicles equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The regulatory body reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD activated, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the junction”.

The authority reported that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the correct light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's intended actions as the car was approaching a red light”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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 investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

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 prepared to assume control at any time. While these features are engineered to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.