Uncertainty Surrounds Approval Timeline for Tesla FSD in the EU
Tesla's Full Self Driving Supervised (FSD) technology has recently become the subject of considerable attention in the European Union, following public statements from the automaker and clarifications from regulatory authorities. The prospect of allowing advanced autonomous features on European roads has sparked both anticipation and confusion among consumers and industry observers.
The latest developments began after Tesla Europe & Middle East announced that its FSD system had been internally tested over a million kilometers across 17 EU countries. The company indicated it was seeking special regulatory approval for FSD from the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW), suggesting a possible authorization by February 2026. This announcement generated significant interest among Tesla owners in Europe, where only limited driver-assistance features are currently available compared to markets like the United States, Australia, and South Korea.
However, the RDW responded with a more cautious perspective. While confirming ongoing discussions with Tesla regarding the approval of supervised autonomous driving, the agency clarified that there is no guarantee of a finalized decision or approval by the indicated date. Instead, the RDW stated that Tesla must first demonstrate that its FSD Supervised system meets all necessary regulatory and safety requirements. The authority emphasized that the timeline for a decision remains uncertain and that road safety remains its top priority.
Tesla's move to pursue an exemption for FSD is rooted in the current EU regulatory landscape, which the company views as outdated for autonomous driving technologies. Adapting its system to existing EU rules, according to Tesla, would compromise both safety and functionality. As a result, Tesla is seeking a special exemption that, if granted, could pave the way for broader deployment of FSD features in Europe. At present, the Autopilot system available in the EU offers only basic assistance compared to the more advanced capabilities found in other regions.
There is also uncertainty regarding the scope of a potential approval. While Tesla's communications suggested that an exemption in the Netherlands could automatically extend to other EU member states, the RDW clarified that this is not the case. Should the Netherlands grant approval, the matter would be referred to a relevant EU committee for further consideration. Only if a majority of EU member states agree would the exemption become valid across the European Union. Otherwise, the authorization would apply solely within the Netherlands, with individual countries having the option to adopt the exemption independently.
The RDW also addressed recent calls by Tesla for users to express gratitude to the agency as part of a public campaign. The regulatory body requested that individuals refrain from contacting them directly, noting that such actions do not influence the decision-making process and place unnecessary demands on customer service resources.
As the regulatory review process continues, the future of Tesla's FSD in the European market remains uncertain. The outcome will largely depend on Tesla's ability to demonstrate compliance with EU safety standards and the willingness of authorities to adapt regulatory frameworks for emerging autonomous vehicle technologies. Both industry stakeholders and the driving public will be closely monitoring developments in the months ahead, as the prospect of widespread autonomous driving on European roads moves another step closer to reality.