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US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla vehicles equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after several crashes.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Breaches

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the authority concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to drive into the crossroads against the red light and was subsequently part of a collision with other cars in the junction”.

The authority reported that four crashes had caused one or more injuries.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's planned behaviour as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Ongoing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency 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 airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the vehicle autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.