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US automobile safety regulators have opened an investigation into Tesla vehicles equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after several collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an intersection with a red light, continued to drive into the crossroads against the red light and was subsequently part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct light status in the car's display”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Official Examination

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

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

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.