Netherlands Authorizes Tesla’s Self-Driving Feature

The Netherlands' RDW (vehicle authority) authorized Tesla's "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" feature in April 2026, making it the first European country to approve the technology on public roads. Following 18 months of testing, the system allows supervised autonomous driving, with the Netherlands seeking EU-wide approval.

Key Details on Dutch FSD Authorization:

 

    Approval Body: The Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) granted the certification.

    System Status: This is "FSD Supervised," meaning drivers must remain alert, keep their hands on the wheel, and be prepared to take over at any time.

    Usage: Valid for both highways and city streets.

    First in Europe: The Netherlands is the first country in Europe to allow this system, marking a major milestone for Tesla in Europe.

    Future Scope: The RDW is submitting this approval for potential EU-wide authentication.

 

Launch Details in the Netherlands:

 

    Availability: The feature has begun rolling out, with reports indicating a €99/month subscription option or a one-time purchase, along with Tesla app support.

 

    Deployment: Rollout is tied to software updates for vehicles equipped with Hardware 3 or 4, say Not a Tesla App.

 

The approval is seen as a significant regulatory breakthrough, positioning the Netherlands as the central hub for Tesla's European AI-driven autonomy expansion.

 

Germans are watching this development with wide eyes. Germany had the best part of Western European car market for itself mostly. These days are becoming history. German manufacturers have largely dominated the premium European market, but this move highlights a shift in regulatory and consumer adoption of autonomous technology, putting pressure on established German automakers. The German faz.net nervously repeats:

 

“As the first country in Europe, the Netherlands is authorizing drivers of Tesla vehicles to use a self-driving feature. A prerequisite is that drivers remain seated inside the vehicle and closely monitor the maneuver, explained the responsible road safety authority, the RDW. In doing so, the Netherlands follows the example of the USA, where Tesla drivers are already able to utilize the system.

Specifically, this concerns Tesla’s ‘FSD (Supervised)’ feature: fully autonomous driving (supervised). ‘The driver assistance system can now be deployed in the Netherlands as well. A future expansion to all member states of the European Union is possible,’ the RDW stated late Friday evening.

In FSD (Supervised) mode, the Tesla system takes over control—including steering, braking, and parking. All of this is permitted only under the active supervision of the driver, who remains seated at the wheel and can intervene if necessary.”