🔗 Share this article

US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following several crashes.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

The federal safety agency announced that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and moving against the wrong direction during lane changes while using the system.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD activated, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the junction”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's intended actions as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

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

In October 2024, the agency started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these features are designed to improve over time, the presently active features do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals possible issues with current implementations.