NHTSA Investigates Tesla's Full Self-Driving System After Multiple Traffic Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system after receiving reports of vehicles committing traffic violations while the system was engaged. The probe encompasses approximately 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD.

According to NHTSA, there have been instances where Tesla vehicles, operating under FSD, ran red lights and executed improper lane changes, including entering opposing traffic lanes. The agency is examining whether the FSD system's behavior violates traffic safety laws and if drivers received adequate warnings to intervene.

This investigation follows previous NHTSA inquiries into Tesla's driver-assistance technologies. In August 2025, the agency began probing delays in Tesla's reporting of crashes involving its self-driving features. Additionally, in October 2024, NHTSA investigated the FSD system's performance under reduced visibility conditions, such as fog and sun glare, after incidents including a fatal crash.

Tesla has stated that its FSD system requires active driver supervision and is not fully autonomous. The company has not yet responded to the latest investigation.

Tesla's stock price experienced a slight decline following the announcement of the investigation.