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

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The federal safety agency declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially requesting a recall of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD engaged, “came to an junction with a red light, continued to drive into the intersection against the red signal and was subsequently part of a collision with other cars in the junction”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper light status in the car's display”.

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

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the agency began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, 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 fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.