Tesla has received official approval from the Dutch roadworthiness agency RDW to deploy its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised feature in the Netherlands, making it the first European country to authorize the system for use on public roads under certain conditions.
The RDW announced that Tesla’s driver assistance system can now be used by Tesla owners in the country, provided that drivers remain inside the vehicle, stay attentive, and maintain full control at all times. The agency emphasized that the system’s safety has been rigorously tested for over 18 months on both test tracks and public roads, asserting that proper use of the technology contributes positively to road safety.
The FSD Supervised function enables Tesla’s onboard computer to handle steering, braking, navigation, and parking while the driver supervises the system and is ready to intervene. However, RDW clarified that this does not equate to full autonomous driving; the human driver remains responsible and must always maintain control.
Tesla’s European subsidiary welcomed the decision on social media, confirming that the rollout of FSD Supervised will begin soon in the Netherlands, with plans to extend availability to other European Union member states. Elon Musk also congratulated the Tesla team and Dutch regulators on the achievement.
Though the Dutch certification is a significant milestone, the RDW’s approval must still receive authorization from the European Commission before it is recognized broadly across the EU.
Why it matters
This approval marks the first time a European regulator has allowed Tesla’s driver assistance system, closely mirroring regulations already in place in the United States. It establishes a pathway for broader adoption of supervised autonomous driving technology within the EU, subject to further regulatory review. This development could influence market competition and consumer acceptance of automated driving features in Europe.
Background
Tesla’s self-driving technology, marketed as Full Self-Driving (FSD) but requiring active driver supervision, has been available in the U.S. for several years. European regulators have been more cautious due to safety and legal concerns surrounding autonomous driving capabilities. Tesla’s brand in Europe has faced challenges recently from increasing competition by Chinese electric vehicle makers and public scrutiny of Elon Musk’s political activism, which has impacted sales trends in markets including the Netherlands. The Dutch approval signals a potential turnaround as regulatory barriers begin to ease in Europe.
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