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US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after several accidents.

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

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

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

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving activated, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was subsequently part of a crash with other cars in the junction”.

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's planned actions as the car was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the authority began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.