🔗 Share this article

US automobile safety regulators have commenced an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after several accidents.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The federal safety agency stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the authority determines they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane switching while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “approached an intersection with a red light, continued to drive into the intersection against the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The agency reported that four crashes had resulted in one or more injuries.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

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

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 began an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

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 ready to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not make the car self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.