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

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires 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 potentially requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had documented accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was subsequently part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The agency noted that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's planned behaviour as the car was coming to a red light”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the authority began an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals possible issues with current implementations.