This month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a new investigation into Tesla following reports that vehicles equipped with the company’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) system violated traffic laws while operating under partial automation. According to NHTSA, the agency is aware of 58 separate incidents, including cases where Teslas drove through red lights, traveled the wrong way on roads, and were involved in crashes and injuries.
The preliminary evaluation encompasses approximately 2.9 million vehicles equipped with the FSD system. While no fatalities have been linked to these incidents, NHTSA identified at least six crashes in which Teslas continued through red lights and collided with other vehicles. Several of these incidents reportedly occurred at the same Maryland intersection, where Tesla has since taken corrective measures.
This new probe adds to NHTSA’s growing list of investigations into Tesla’s driver-assistance technology, which includes inquiries into its Autopilot features, vehicle doors, and crash reporting practices. Federal regulators have also questioned the system’s ability to handle poor visibility and other real-world driving challenges.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) continues to closely monitor these developments, as autonomous technology remains a key issue within the recently approved 2026 MRF Legislative Agenda. Ensuring that emerging vehicle technologies are safely deployed and properly regulated is essential to protecting all road users, especially motorcyclists.
The MRF will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and rigorous oversight in the rollout of self-driving vehicle systems.
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