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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 following several crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and traveling against the wrong way during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD activated, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the intersection against the red light and was later involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four accidents had caused one or more injuries.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's intended behaviour as the car was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the authority began an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles using 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 “designed for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not render the car autonomous.”

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.