đ Share this article American Authorities Launch Probe into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles After Series of Collisions US automobile safety regulators have commenced an probe into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following several collisions. Regulatory Body Finds Traffic Law Violations The federal safety agency announced that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had âinduced vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety lawsâ. This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the agency concludes they present a danger to public safety. Alarming Case Findings The regulatory body reported it had documented accounts of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect direction during lane changes while operating the system. NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, âcame to an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the junctionâ. The agency reported that four crashes had resulted in one or more injuries. Further Issues Identified The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper traffic signal state in the vehicle interfaceâ. Some complainants also claimed that FSD âfailed to give warnings of the technology's intended behaviour as the car was approaching a red traffic signalâ. Continuing Official Examination The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months. In late 2024, the agency began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal. Company's Official Stance Tesla's website states that FSD is âintended for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these features are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled features do not render the vehicle autonomous.â Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.