Tesla FSD cleared in the Netherlands
Dutch regulators granted approval for Tesla’s Full Self‑Driving Supervised software to operate on highways and city streets, marking the first national regulatory nod in Europe as of April 12–13, 2026. The Dutch approval is intended to be used as the basis for seeking EU‑wide authentication for the technology. (Automotive News)
Tesla can now activate Full Self-Driving Supervised in the Netherlands after Dutch vehicle authority RDW approved it for public roads on April 10. (rdw.nl) The approval covers highways and city streets, and Reuters reported on April 12 that it is Tesla’s first regulatory clearance for the system in Europe. (autonews.com) RDW said it tested the system for more than one and a half years on a test track and on public roads before issuing the type approval. (rdw.nl) What Tesla won is permission for a driver-assistance system, not a robotaxi permit. RDW said the driver remains responsible, must stay engaged in traffic, and must be able to take over immediately. (rdw.nl) The Dutch approval matters beyond one country because RDW said the system can now be used in the Netherlands with possible later admission in all European Union member states. Reuters reported the Netherlands will submit an application for broader European Union authentication that would require support from member states. (rdw.nl) (autonews.com) Europe’s rules are tighter than Tesla’s U.S. rollout. Reuters reported Tesla’s European version differs from the U.S. software to meet stricter European safety requirements. (autonews.com) The underlying rulebook is built around “Driver Control Assistance Systems,” a category for software that steers, brakes and accelerates for a human driver who still has legal responsibility. United Nations Regulation No. 171 says these systems assist the driver, who must permanently monitor the environment and the vehicle’s performance. (eur-lex.europa.eu) Electrive reported Tesla gathered 1.6 million kilometers of European test driving with the system active, plus more than 4,500 test scenarios off public roads, as part of the approval process. (electrive.com) RDW said the software monitors whether the driver’s eyes are on the road and whether their hands are available to retake the wheel. If the driver stays inattentive, the system escalates warnings and can temporarily block itself from being activated. (rdw.nl) Tesla said installation in customer cars will begin in the coming days through an over-the-air software update. The next test is whether Dutch approval turns into recognition elsewhere in Europe. (electrive.com)
