🔗 Share this article

US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following multiple accidents.

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling against the wrong direction during lane switching while using the system.

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

The authority reported that four crashes had caused one or more injuries.

Further Issues Identified

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

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's planned actions as the car was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In October 2024, the agency began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended 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 currently enabled features do not make the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.