US Regulators Probe Tesla Over Reports of Self-Driving Cars Breaking Traffic Laws
Tesla is under fresh scrutiny from US safety regulators following reports that some of its vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology have violated traffic laws – including driving on the wrong side of the road and running red lights.
According to a filing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency has received 58 reports of such incidents involving Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” mode. The investigation covers an estimated 2.9 million vehicles equipped with the system.
The NHTSA said its preliminary evaluation will focus on determining “the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences” of the issues linked to Tesla’s semi-autonomous technology.
The FSD feature, which Tesla owners can purchase as an optional upgrade, allows cars to make lane changes, navigate turns, and respond to traffic conditions. However, drivers are required to remain alert and ready to take control at any time.
Regulators noted that at least six crashes occurred after vehicles stopped at a red light and then proceeded through the intersection before the signal changed. Four of those incidents reportedly resulted in injuries.
The NHTSA also confirmed that Tesla had implemented a fix for a recurring red-light violation issue at one intersection in Maryland. In addition, the agency plans to investigate reports of Teslas crossing into oncoming lanes during turns – in some cases giving drivers “little notice or opportunity to intervene.”
This latest probe adds to a growing list of safety concerns surrounding Tesla. The automaker is already facing a separate NHTSA investigation into its door locking mechanisms after reports of children being trapped inside Model Y vehicles, with some owners resorting to breaking windows to free them.
The company has not yet commented on the new investigation.
The probe comes just weeks after Tesla announced cheaper versions of its popular models in a bid to compete with lower-cost electric vehicles from Chinese manufacturers.
Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk – who recently became the world’s first half-trillionaire – has remained in the spotlight for both his business moves and political activities. Earlier this year, Musk launched a new political organization called the America Party, following a public split from former US President Donald Trump.
