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American vehicle safety authorities have opened an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following several accidents.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The federal safety agency stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that violated traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly requesting a recall of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body stated it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the crossroads despite the red light and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the intersection”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's planned behaviour as the car was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

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

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

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active features do not make the vehicle autonomous.”

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.