US Regulators Launch Inquiry into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles After String of Collisions

American vehicle safety authorities have started an examination into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD activated, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to drive into the crossroads despite the red light and was subsequently part of a collision with other cars in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four accidents had caused one or more injuries.

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper light status in the car's display”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned behaviour as the car was coming to a red light”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In October 2024, the agency began an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active features do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.