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US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following multiple collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The NHTSA announced that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly requesting a recall of the cars if the authority determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The agency reported it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD activated, “came to an junction with a red light, continued to travel into the intersection against the red signal and was subsequently part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped 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 technology's intended actions as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In late 2024, the agency began an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four documented crashes in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Company's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, 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 potential challenges with current implementations.