🔗 Share this article

American vehicle safety authorities have started an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following several collisions.

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly requesting a recall of the vehicles if the authority determines they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The agency reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and moving against the wrong way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving activated, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was later part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the correct 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 coming to a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the agency started an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

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 assume control at any moment. While these features are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.