American Regulators Launch Investigation into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles After Series of Accidents

US automobile safety regulators have opened an investigation into Tesla vehicles equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following multiple accidents.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

The NHTSA stated that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly seeking a recall of the cars if the authority determines they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling against the wrong direction during lane changes while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD engaged, “approached an intersection with a red light, proceeded to drive into the intersection against the red signal and was subsequently involved in a crash with other cars in the intersection”.

The agency noted that four accidents had caused one or more injuries.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the technology's intended behaviour as the car was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the agency started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active 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.