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American vehicle safety authorities have opened an examination into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after multiple crashes.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the authority concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red lights and traveling against the wrong direction during lane switching while using the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving activated, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to travel into the crossroads against the red signal and was later part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

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

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In late 2024, the authority began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

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

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