Tesla is being investigated by the US government after reports the firm's self-driving cars had broken traffic laws, including driving on the wrong side of the road and not stopping for red lights.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated it was aware of 58 reports detailing such violations, as noted in a recent filing.
Approximately 2.9 million cars equipped with full self-driving technology will be subject to this investigation.
Tesla, whose CEO Elon Musk has made headlines as the world's first half-trillionaire, was approached for a response.
The NHTSA's preliminary evaluation aims to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) mode. This feature, which requires drivers to remain alert and able to take control of the vehicle at any time, allows cars to perform lane changes and turns autonomously.
Reported incidents have included six crashes caused by vehicles departing from a complete stop at a red light, four of which resulted in injuries. Furthermore, the NHTSA noted that Tesla had already implemented measures to rectify issues at a specific Maryland intersection known for frequent red light violations.
The investigation will also scrutinize reports of vehicles straying into opposing lanes during turns. Some incidents were alarming in that they provided minimal warning to the driver or little opportunity for intervention.
In addition to this, Tesla faces an ongoing investigation concerning the locking mechanisms of its vehicles, which have reportedly trapped children inside Model Y cars, leading some parents to break windows to free them.
Meanwhile, Tesla has recently unveiled more affordable versions of its popular models, jostling to stay competitive against rising electric vehicle offerings from competitors, particularly from China. Elon Musk has also been in the news for announcing a new political party aiming to rival traditional parties.
