The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has documented at least 80 instances of Tesla's Full Self-Driving software violating traffic rules, including running red lights and crossing into wrong lanes. This marks a significant increase from the roughly 50 violations reported when the investigation began in October. Regulators are now demanding detailed data from Tesla by January 19, 2026.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sent a letter to Tesla this week, outlining an expanded investigation into the company's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software. The agency has identified 80 potential violations based on 62 complaints from Tesla drivers, 14 reports submitted by the company, and four media accounts. These incidents involve the software running red lights, entering opposing lanes, or improper lane use within intersections.
This is up from around 50 violations cited when NHTSA opened the probe in October, focusing initially on multiple reports from a single intersection in Joppa, Maryland. Tesla informed the agency that it had addressed the issue there, but locations for the new incidents remain unspecified, with Tesla redacting details in its submissions.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation is examining whether the software can accurately detect and respond to traffic signals, signs, lane markings, and wrong-way signage. The probe also assesses if the system provides sufficient warnings to drivers, who are required to supervise and intervene as needed. The agency has requested data on the number of FSD-equipped vehicles, usage frequency, miles traveled, customer complaints, field reports, and any related lawsuits or arbitration proceedings.
Tesla must respond by January 19, 2026, or face potential penalties. This is the second NHTSA investigation into FSD; the first, launched in October 2024, targets performance in low-visibility conditions like fog or extreme sunlight.
The letter coincides with a post on X by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, claiming the latest FSD version allows drivers to text depending on traffic context—a practice illegal in nearly every U.S. state. NHTSA has not commented on the statement.
