India, Oct. 16 -- A federal regulatory disclosure has intensified scrutiny over advanced driver-assistance technologies after Tesla confirmed that its software was actively engaged within 30 seconds of a fatal crash in New Jersey. According to documentation submitted under a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standing order, a 2021 Tesla Model Y involved in a high-speed collision on Route 55 was marked with an automation status of "Verified Engaged."

The filing marks a critical development in an ongoing investigation into vehicle autonomy, even as federal safety agencies and independent analysts grapple with extensive redactions applied to the manufacturer's technical telemetry.

The tragic incident, which took place along a ...