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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 after multiple crashes.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The federal safety agency declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly seeking a recall of the cars if the authority determines they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency reported it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to travel into the crossroads despite the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the correct traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the technology's intended actions as the car was approaching 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 authority started an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.