The United States National Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into almost three million Tesla cars equipped with full self-driving capabilities, following reports of over 50 incidents in which the cars either broke traffic regulations or were involved in crashes.
Reuters is reporting that the administration said FSD (Full Self-Driving ) - an assistance system that requires drivers to pay attention and intervene if needed - has "induced vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws."
The agency describes cars using FSD driving through red lights and driving into opposite lanes during a lane change.
It is now examining 58 reports of issues involving traffic safety violations, including 14 crashes and 23 injuries.
The Reuters report says Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment and issued a software update to FSD this week.
The NTSA said it had received six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, "approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection."
A recent NBC News investigation said that Tesla vehicles using FSD "sometimes failed to stop or otherwise mishandled situations at rail crossings, including when red lights are flashing and gate arms are lowering, according to Tesla drivers and videos they've taken".
Tesla offers FSD as an optional extra in the US on its S, 3, X and Y models but stresses that the system requires active supervision.
