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US automobile safety regulators have opened an examination into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after numerous collisions.

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving activated, “came to an intersection with a red light, continued to drive into the crossroads against the red light and was later part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned behaviour as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency began an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.

Company's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the car autonomous.”

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