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American vehicle safety authorities have started an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after multiple accidents.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly requesting a recall of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD engaged, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was later part of a crash with other cars in the junction”.

The agency noted that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned behaviour as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the agency began an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.

Company's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any moment. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.