Tesla is under fresh scrutiny from U.S. regulators after reports that its self-driving cars have been caught committing traffic violations — including driving on the wrong side of the road and running red lights.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed that it has opened a preliminary evaluation into the company’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, which is available as an optional upgrade for Tesla owners.
According to official filings, the agency has received 58 reports of vehicles allegedly breaking road rules while using the feature. The probe could affect an estimated 2.9 million vehicles equipped with Tesla’s full self-driving technology.
Crashes, Red-Light Runs, And Wrong-Lane Turns
The NHTSA said its investigation will assess “the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences” of the reported incidents.
In six of the cases reviewed, Teslas reportedly moved through red lights after briefly stopping, with four resulting in injuries. Several other reports describe vehicles crossing into oncoming lanes while making turns, leaving drivers with “little notice or opportunity to intervene.”
The agency said Tesla has already taken steps to address an issue at a specific intersection in Maryland where repeated red-light violations occurred. Still, officials emphasized that these reports raise broader safety concerns about how reliably the system follows basic traffic laws.
Tesla’s Self-Driving Under Pressure
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode allows vehicles to make lane changes, navigate intersections, and execute turns with minimal driver input. However, the system is still considered “supervised automation,” meaning drivers must remain alert and ready to take control at all times.
Despite its name, the technology is not yet fully autonomous — and regulators have repeatedly warned that the system’s branding may mislead consumers.
This latest investigation adds to Tesla’s growing list of regulatory challenges. The company is already under separate NHTSA scrutiny for issues involving door locking mechanisms on the Model Y, after several reports of children being trapped inside vehicles. In some cases, owners resorted to breaking windows to free passengers.
Company Silent As Probes Mount
Tesla has not yet commented on the latest inquiry. The company typically avoids formal media responses, and Elon Musk has in the past criticized regulatory oversight, calling some investigations “politically motivated.”
The billionaire, who recently became the world’s first half-trillionaire by net worth, has long positioned Tesla as a leader in autonomous driving innovation. But safety agencies argue that the company’s testing practices and software updates often occur without sufficient regulatory review.
The NHTSA’s ongoing probe will determine whether a recall or additional oversight is necessary. If serious flaws are found, Tesla could face stricter federal restrictions on its FSD rollout.
A Shifting Landscape For Electric Vehicles
The investigation comes as Tesla faces growing competition from Chinese automakers offering more affordable electric models. In response, the company recently launched lower-cost versions of its most popular cars to maintain market share.
Musk has also been in the political spotlight. Once a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, he has since split from the former president and announced plans to form a new “America Party”, positioning himself as an alternative to both major U.S. parties.
For now, regulators remain focused on Tesla’s technology — not its politics. The NHTSA emphasized that the ongoing review aims to ensure the safety of U.S. drivers and pedestrians in an increasingly automated world.
