🔗 Share this article American Authorities Begin Probe into Autonomous Teslas After Series of Crashes US automobile safety regulators have opened an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following several crashes. Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations The NHTSA announced that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulations”. This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the authority determines they pose a risk to road safety. Concerning Incident Reports The regulatory body reported it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red lights and moving against the incorrect direction during lane changes while using the system. NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “came to an intersection with a red light, proceeded to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the junction”. The agency reported that four accidents had caused injuries to occupants. Further Safety Concerns The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”. Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's intended actions as the car was approaching a red light”. Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months. In October 2024, the agency began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly. Manufacturer's Stated Position Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not render the car autonomous.” Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.