Dutch approval signals a regulatory shift for advanced driver assistance, but drivers must remain vigilant and ready to take control at any moment.
The Netherlands has become the first country in Europe to officially permit the use of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assistance system on public roads.
According to NOS, the decision followed more than a year and a half of testing conducted by RDW – the Dutch road-transport authority.
“Tesla’s self-driving cars have been allowed to operate on Dutch roads. The Road Transport Authority (RDW) approved the Full Self-Driving Supervised (FSD) driver-assistance system.”
– NOS
Usage features and regulatory pathway
The system can enhance road safety when used responsibly and in accordance with the rules.
At the same time, it is emphasized that FSD is not fully autonomous: the driver must continually monitor the situation, keep hands on the wheel, and be ready to take control at any moment. Using mobile devices while driving is prohibited.
The system also monitors the driver’s attention: when concentration drops, it issues a warning and in some cases may temporarily deactivate.
Before practical implementation, RDW plans to approach the European Commission with the relevant regulatory questions.
In the future, the Netherlands expects further alignment of FSD regulatory frameworks at the European Union level, ensuring transparency and oversight of the use of the most advanced autopilot systems.
This step could be an important signal for regulators in other European countries, as it opens the path to large-scale deployment of advanced driver-assistance systems and safer road traffic through modern technologies.