🔗 Share this article

American vehicle safety authorities have opened an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after numerous crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

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

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the authority concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD engaged, “approached an junction with a red light, continued to drive into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time 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”.

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

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the agency began an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled features do not make the car autonomous.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.