by Tesla’s Full Self-Driving System Receives Approval in the Netherlands
Tesla’s controversial Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has received approval for use in the Netherlands, which could mark the beginning of its rollout across Europe. This decision was made after more than 18 months of testing and analysis by RDW, the Dutch vehicle authority.
The latest version of the FSD system, operating under driver supervision, “makes a positive contribution to road safety,” stated RDW. Having received the agency’s approval, Tesla plans to begin deploying this technology in the Netherlands soon, allowing car owners to experience “hands-free” driving in both urban environments and on highways.
The Path to the European Union
Even more significant than the system’s approval for the Netherlands is that RDW’s decision paves the way for its future implementation in all European Union member states. However, before this, RDW must apply for certification for the entire region, and all member countries must vote in favor of it.
Approval at the EU level requires a majority vote. Even if a majority is not reached, individual countries can still independently decide to permit the system’s use within their territory.
Driver-Supervised System
Following the approval, Tesla has been actively posting videos on its X account testing the FSD Supervised system in the Netherlands. RDW emphasized that “a car with FSD Supervised is not self-driving”; the driver remains responsible and must always maintain control.
A car with FSD Supervised is not self-driving. The driver remains responsible and must always maintain control.
The agency stated that Tesla’s driver-assistance system supports the driver more than other systems, as it takes on several driving tasks when activated. Thanks to continuous, strict monitoring of the driver’s state, the system is safer than other driver-assistance systems. It has been tested both on specialized tracks and on public roads.
Safety and Control
If the system detects that the driver is consistently not focused on the road, it will activate various alerts to draw their attention. In extreme cases, the system may shut off, and its reactivation will be temporarily blocked.
Passed the wife test in the Netherlands!
This step by the Dutch regulator can be seen as an important test of the compatibility of American technology with European safety standards and regulations. Successful implementation in the Netherlands, a country with a dense road network and a strong cycling culture, could become a compelling argument for other European countries. However, the pan-European voting process remains a key barrier, and even in the case of a positive decision, adapting the system to different national traffic rules may require additional time and effort.
