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

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

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

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly seeking a recall of the vehicles if the authority determines they pose a risk to road safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The agency stated it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling in the wrong direction during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD engaged, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

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

Ongoing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the agency started an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states 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 time. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.