US Safety Regulator Launches Investigation Into 2.88 Million Tesla Vehicles Over Full Self-Driving Safety Concerns

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Thursday an investigation into approximately 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system due to potential traffic safety violations.

According to the NHTSA, the Full Self-Driving feature, which is designed as a driver assistance system requiring constant attention and intervention when necessary, has been reported to cause "vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws".

The safety agency cited specific incidents where Tesla vehicles operating with FSD have reportedly run red traffic lights and traveled against the correct direction during lane changes.

This investigation highlights ongoing concerns about advanced driver assistance systems and their compliance with established traffic regulations, even as manufacturers continue to emphasize that drivers must remain vigilant while using such features.

Washington authorities are now examining these reports to determine if further regulatory action is required regarding Tesla's autonomous driving technology.