🔗 Share this article US Regulators Launch Inquiry into Self-Driving Teslas Following Series of Crashes American vehicle safety authorities have opened an probe into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after several collisions. Regulatory Body Finds Traffic Law Breaches The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”. This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially requesting a recall of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety. Concerning Incident Reports The regulatory body stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane switching while using the technology. NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using FSD activated, “approached an intersection with a red light, proceeded to travel into the intersection despite the red light and was later involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”. The agency reported that four crashes had caused one or more injuries. Additional Safety Concerns The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”. Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's intended actions as the vehicle was coming to a red light”. Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months. In October 2024, the agency started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal. Manufacturer's Stated Position The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.” Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.