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US automobile safety regulators have opened an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly requesting a recall of the cars if the authority determines they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency reported it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling in the incorrect direction during lane changes while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using FSD activated, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection despite the red signal and was later involved in a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The authority reported that four accidents had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the technology's intended behaviour as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the authority started an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by 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 designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not render 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.