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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 following multiple accidents.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the authority determines they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

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

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection against the red signal and was later involved in a collision with other cars in the intersection”.

The authority reported that four accidents had caused injuries to occupants.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

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

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the authority started an investigation into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these features are engineered to improve over time, the currently enabled features do not render the car autonomous.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.