US Regulators Probe Tesla's Full Self-Driving After Traffic Violations
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a preliminary investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving system after receiving 58 reports of traffic violations, including red-light running that caused collisions and injuries, affecting approximately 2.88 million vehicles.
What happened
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on October 9, 2025, that it opened a preliminary safety investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system affecting approximately 2.88 million vehicles.
The investigation was triggered by 58 reported traffic violations, including instances where FSD-equipped vehicles ran red lights, resulting in 6 collision cases with injuries, and cases where vehicles entered opposing traffic lanes without recognizing no-entry signs.
Reported impact
In six incidents where FSD ran red lights at intersections, collisions with other vehicles occurred and injuries were reported.
Tesla stock fell 3% on the day the investigation was announced.
Index analysis
NHTSA classified FSD as Level 2 automation, where the driver bears responsibility for vehicle operation, and stated it would focus the investigation on whether drivers had adequate opportunity to intervene in FSD operations.
Governance controls
The preliminary investigation is the first step before NHTSA can issue a recall. NHTSA is also conducting multiple other investigations into Tesla, including a 2024 investigation into collision accidents in reduced visibility conditions and a January 2025 investigation into remote operation features.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.