🔗 Share this article US Authorities Initiate Investigation into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles After Series of Accidents US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following several accidents. Regulatory Body Finds Traffic Law Violations The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”. This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority concludes they present a danger to road safety. Alarming Incident Reports The agency stated it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the system. NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the crossroads against the red signal and was subsequently involved in a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”. The authority noted that four accidents had caused injuries to occupants. Additional Safety Concerns The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”. Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's intended behaviour as the car was approaching a red light”. Ongoing Official Examination Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months. In late 2024, the authority started an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal. Company's Stated Position Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active features do not make the car self-driving.” Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals possible issues with current implementations.