🔗 Share this article

US automobile safety regulators have commenced an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after multiple collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law 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 car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly seeking a recall of the cars if the agency concludes they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red lights and traveling against the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD engaged, “approached an intersection with a red light, 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 noted that four accidents had caused one or more injuries.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give alerts of the technology's intended actions as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the authority started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled features do not make the vehicle self-driving.”

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