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US automobile safety regulators have commenced an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following numerous accidents.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The federal safety agency announced that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

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

Alarming Case Findings

The agency reported it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect direction during lane changes while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was subsequently part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

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

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the authority began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates 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 capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not make the vehicle self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.