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US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following multiple collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

The NHTSA announced that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly requesting a recall of the vehicles if the authority concludes they present a danger to road safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency reported it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane changes while using the system.

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

The authority reported that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

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

Ongoing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency started an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, 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 “designed for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active features do not make the car autonomous.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.