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US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla vehicles equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after numerous crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the electric carmaker'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 represents the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the vehicles if the authority concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic 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 FSD engaged, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red light and was later part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the correct traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's intended 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 twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency started an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

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 time. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.