US Regulators Begin Inquiry into Autonomous Teslas After Series of Collisions

US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency determines they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the system.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, 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 noted that four crashes had caused one or more injuries.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's planned behaviour as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Ongoing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In October 2024, the authority started an investigation into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any moment. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.