Tesla Faces U.S. Government Investigation Over Self-Driving Cars Breaking Traffic Laws
Tesla is once again under scrutiny as the U.S. government launches an investigation into reports that its self-driving vehicles have committed traffic violations — including running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road. The probe raises new safety concerns about the company’s advanced driver-assistance technology, which has been a cornerstone of Tesla’s innovation strategy.
According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), officials are investigating 58 separate incidents in which Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” vehicles allegedly broke traffic laws. The agency confirmed that approximately 2.9 million Tesla cars equipped with this technology are included in the probe.
The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation aims to determine the frequency, severity, and potential safety consequences of these violations, as well as whether Tesla’s autonomous system adequately alerts drivers to take control during critical moments.
Self-Driving Technology Under the Microscope
Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” mode — an optional feature that costs thousands of dollars — allows vehicles to make lane changes, turns, and navigate city streets with minimal driver input. However, the system still requires the driver’s hands on the wheel and constant supervision, as it is not fully autonomous.
The NHTSA report revealed that six crashes occurred after Tesla cars stopped at red lights but then began moving again before the signal turned green. Four of these incidents resulted in injuries. The report also highlighted cases of cars veering into opposing lanes while turning — giving drivers “little notice or opportunity to intervene.”
Tesla reportedly addressed one recurring issue in Maryland, where cars consistently failed to recognize a particular red light. The company issued a software update to fix the problem, but regulators are now investigating whether similar issues exist elsewhere.
Government Response and Safety Concerns
The NHTSA’s investigation will focus on how Tesla’s self-driving software detects and reacts to traffic lights, lane boundaries, and oncoming vehicles. Officials are particularly concerned about the system’s ability to make safe decisions when faced with ambiguous or unexpected road conditions.
The agency emphasized that while Tesla markets its system as “Full Self-Driving,” it still requires human supervision. Drivers are legally responsible for taking control if the system fails. “No vehicle available for purchase today is fully self-driving,” the NHTSA stated.
Tesla has not yet issued a public statement regarding the latest investigation. The company’s CEO, Elon Musk, has long defended the safety of Tesla’s autonomous systems, arguing that self-driving technology reduces accidents caused by human error. However, critics say the company’s marketing creates false confidence among drivers, leading some to misuse the system.
A History of Regulatory Scrutiny
This is not the first time Tesla’s driver-assistance features have attracted federal attention. The automaker has faced several NHTSA investigations over the past few years, including one related to crash incidents involving its Autopilot system and another into faulty door locks that reportedly trapped children inside Model Y vehicles.
In those cases, Tesla owners were forced to break windows to free passengers after the doors failed to open during emergencies. The company has since rolled out updates to address those issues.
Tesla’s ongoing safety concerns have sparked broader discussions about the regulation of self-driving technology. While the company remains a pioneer in electric and autonomous vehicles, U.S. regulators have increasingly questioned whether Tesla’s self-driving claims match the technology’s real-world performance.
Competition and Market Pressures
The investigation comes at a challenging time for Tesla. The company recently unveiled more affordable versions of its best-selling cars — including the Model 3 and Model Y — in a bid to stay competitive against cheaper electric vehicles from China.
Chinese automakers such as BYD and XPeng have gained significant ground in the global EV market, offering high-quality cars at lower prices. Analysts believe Tesla’s price cuts are a defensive move to protect market share amid growing international competition.
Despite these challenges, Tesla remains the world’s most valuable carmaker by market capitalization. Elon Musk, who recently became the world’s first half-trillionaire, continues to expand Tesla’s reach into energy storage, robotics, and AI-powered systems.
Musk’s Political Fallout and Public Image
Beyond Tesla’s corporate troubles, Elon Musk has also been at the center of political controversy. Once a close ally of President Donald Trump, Musk publicly distanced himself from the former president earlier this year after a series of disputes over government policy and social media censorship.
In July, Musk announced the formation of a new political organization, “The America Party,” positioning it as an alternative to the traditional Republican and Democratic parties. The move has drawn both praise and skepticism from political observers, with some viewing it as another of Musk’s bold — and polarizing — ventures.
What’s Next for Tesla
As the NHTSA investigation unfolds, Tesla could face increased pressure to modify its software, improve driver oversight systems, or even issue recalls if regulators find safety flaws. Experts say the outcome could shape how the U.S. governs autonomous vehicle technology in the coming years.
For now, Tesla owners using the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature are advised to stay alert, keep their hands on the wheel, and be prepared to take control at any moment — despite the name of the system.
The company continues to push the boundaries of automation, but as regulators tighten oversight, the balance between innovation and safety remains a key concern. Whether Tesla’s latest troubles are a temporary setback or a sign of deeper systemic flaws could depend on the findings of this high-stakes investigation.