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American vehicle safety authorities have opened an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following multiple crashes.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection against the red signal and was later part of a crash with other cars in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Additional Issues Identified

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

Some complainants also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's planned behaviour as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated 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 cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.

Company's Official Stance

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 features are engineered to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.