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US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following multiple crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA stated that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly seeking a recall of the vehicles if the agency concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body reported it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD activated, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red signal and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the junction”.

The agency reported that four crashes had resulted in one or more injuries.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one media report claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's intended behaviour as the car was approaching a red light”.

Ongoing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the agency began an investigation into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Company's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any moment. While these features are engineered to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle 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 existing deployments.