Tesla investigates whether its self-driving technology caused traffic violations (www.latimes.com)

Tesla is currently under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, which has reportedly led to thousands of traffic violations, including running red lights and improper navigation. The NHTSA opened this probe in October, citing multiple incidents where the FSD system failed to adhere to traffic laws. In response, Tesla requested a five-week extension to collect and review relevant data, stating they have thousands of traffic violation records that still require manual assessment. This extension comes as the company grapples with multiple inquiries from the NHTSA, which also includes investigations into delayed crash reporting and other technical issues. The implications of this investigation are significant for Tesla and the broader AI/ML community, as the outcomes could impact public trust in automated driving technologies. CEO Elon Musk has emphasized the importance of FSD to Tesla's sales and future strategy, particularly after a decline in vehicle deliveries. As the scrutiny on FSD increases, Tesla faces pressure not only to prove the safety and efficacy of its technology but also to ensure that their communication about these capabilities is transparent and accurate. The work required to address NHTSA's queries may further complicate Tesla's operations and its timeline for improvements, especially as regulatory bodies worldwide become more vigilant in overseeing autonomous driving systems.