Tesla Full Self-Driving Approvals in Europe

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SUMMARY

France officially rejected Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised system on July 23, 2026, citing safety concerns and insufficient safety trade-offs for public road authorization, as stated by Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot. As of July 23, 2026, this decision contrasts with approvals in the Netherlands (April 10, 2026), Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark, and Belgium, while an EU-wide vote is anticipated in October 2026. Tesla's FSD (Supervised) software has surpassed 50 million kilometers driven by European customers, but Sweden has recommended against bloc-wide approval unless the 'Speed Offset' feature is removed, and the Dutch vehicle authority RDW is investigating claims of misleading safety data.

Timeline

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July 2026 — 5 developments

  1. France Rejects Tesla's FSD Supervised System Due to Safety Concerns

    France has officially rejected Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised system, citing safety concerns and insufficient safety trade-offs for public road authorization. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot stated the system's safety trade-offs are insufficient. This decision contrasts with the Netherlands' approval on April 10, 2026, which is recognized by Lithuania and Estonia.

  2. France Opposes Tesla FSD Deployment in EU Over Safety Concerns

    France has officially opposed Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software for deployment on EU roads, citing significant safety concerns. This marks the first public rejection by an EU government of the technology's proposed approval. An EU-wide vote is anticipated in October, with France continuing technical discussions.

  3. Tesla FSD Surpasses 50 Million Kilometers in Europe, EU Vote Expected October

    Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software has surpassed 50 million kilometers driven by European customers, a milestone achieved three months after its initial approval in the Netherlands. The software is now available in five European countries, with Estonia, Denmark, and Belgium granting approvals in May and June 2026. A broader EU-wide approval is still pending, with a potential vote expected in October 2026.

  4. Tesla FSD Active in Germany, Sweden, Norway; Approvals Pending in More EU Markets

    Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system is now active in Germany, Sweden, and Norway as of early July 2026, with further approvals pending in markets including the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and France. This expansion follows the Netherlands' initial approval on April 10, 2026, and a broader rollout across several other nations. Tesla also saw a rebound in vehicle registrations across Europe in June 2026.

  5. EU Committee to Discuss Tesla FSD Approval Amidst European Rollout

    The EU's Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles is scheduled to discuss Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software on June 30, 2026, potentially leading to a bloc-wide vote on mutual recognition. This follows Germany's initial approval on May 22, 2026, and subsequent clearances in the Netherlands, Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, and Denmark.

June 2026 — 9 developments

  1. Tesla FSD Under Investigation for Misleading Safety Data in Europe

    The Dutch vehicle authority RDW is investigating claims that Tesla provided misleading safety data to European regulators regarding its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. Concerns about the 'Speed Offset' function and system performance in winter conditions continue to be scrutinized by some member states.

  2. Tesla FSD Approved in Denmark; Germany Rolls Out System Amid EU Concerns

    Denmark approved Tesla's FSD (Supervised) on June 9, 2026, becoming the fourth European country to grant approval. Germany began its FSD rollout on May 22, 2026, utilizing the EU's mutual recognition framework. Sweden has recommended the EU vote against the wider rollout of FSD in its current form, citing concerns about the 'Speed Offset' function.

  3. Sweden Recommends EU Reject Tesla FSD Approval Without Speed Feature Removal

    Sweden's transport authority has recommended the European Union reject Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) bloc-wide approval unless the 'Speed Offset' feature, which allows vehicles to exceed speed limits, is removed. This recommendation was formally sent to the EU's Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles on April 30, 2026, ahead of a June 30 meeting and vote.

  5. European safety council urges pause on Tesla FSD approval amid safety concerns

    The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has urged EU member states to demand further evidence on Tesla's FSD safety before recognizing national approvals. The ETSC has also requested the European Commission to pause the EU-wide approval process due to safety concerns.

  6. Tesla FSD Supervised Now Operates Across European Borders After Approvals

    Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system can now operate continuously across European borders, provided both countries involved have granted national regulatory approval. As of June 11, 2026, five countries have approved the system: the Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark, and Belgium. This cross-border functionality follows Denmark's approval on June 9, 2026, making it the fourth country to grant FSD Supervised approval.

  7. Tesla FSD Approved in Belgium and Denmark, Expanding European Reach

    Belgium has approved Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) supervised driver-assistance software on June 10, 2026, making it the fifth EU member to grant authorization. This follows Denmark's approval on June 9, 2026, which made it the fourth EU member. These national approvals are provisional and subject to review by the EU Commission, while a bloc-wide decision is delayed.

  8. Tesla FSD Supervised Approved in Denmark; Safety Data Shows Reduced Collisions

    Denmark approved Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised system on June 9, 2026, becoming the fourth European country to grant approval. Concurrently, Tesla released safety data from the Netherlands on June 10, 2026, indicating FSD-equipped vehicles had 71.4% fewer collisions compared to human-driven vehicles and zero collisions on Dutch highways over 16.6 million kilometers.

  9. Estonia Approves Tesla's Full Self-Driving System

    Estonia has become the third EU country to approve Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, following the Netherlands and Lithuania. The approval was granted by recognizing the type certification issued by the Dutch vehicle authority. Tesla will begin rolling out FSD in Estonia via an over-the-air software update in the coming weeks.

May 2026 — 6 developments

  1. Tesla FSD Expands to Lithuania, Germany, and Sweden with Subscription Model

    Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software has expanded to Lithuania, Germany, and Sweden, with monthly subscriptions costing €99 or €49 for Enhanced Autopilot owners. This move signifies Tesla's shift to a subscription-only model in Europe, following approvals in the Netherlands and Lithuania.

  2. Tesla FSD Approved in Lithuania, Second European Country to Grant Official Approval

    Lithuania has officially approved Tesla's FSD (Supervised) system, becoming the second European country to grant approval after the Netherlands. Belgium is also conducting public road testing, and Ireland is in discussions for approval, as Tesla aims for wider EU deployment by summer 2026.

  3. Tesla to End One-Time FSD Purchase in Europe, Focus on Subscriptions

    Tesla will discontinue the one-time purchase option for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) package in Europe by May 2026, shifting its sales strategy to prioritize monthly subscriptions. This change aligns with Tesla's broader European expansion efforts.

  4. Ireland Considers Tesla FSD Approval Amidst EU Scrutiny

    Ireland is currently evaluating Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology for approval, following the Netherlands' initial EU type approval in April. While Tesla aims for a summer 2026 EU-wide rollout, some member states continue to express concerns regarding safety data and driving scenarios.

  5. Tesla FSD receives type approval in the Netherlands, paving way for EU rollout

    Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system received type approval in the Netherlands in April. This approval allows drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel while remaining attentive. Tesla is now working with the Dutch approval authority to extend this authorization EU-wide.

  6. Tesla FSD faces EU resistance despite Dutch approval

    Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system has received type approval in the Netherlands, but faces resistance from national regulatory authorities in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway. Concerns have been raised regarding the system's name, its tendency to exceed speed limits, and its performance in icy conditions.

April 2026 — 3 developments

  1. Belgium Approves Tesla FSD Supervised Testing on Public Roads

    Belgium has granted Tesla permission to test its supervised self-driving software on public roads in the Flanders region. This authorization is valid nationwide and involves testing with a single vehicle for approximately 5,000 kilometers. The Belgian tests are considered crucial for accelerating broader, Europe-wide regulatory acceptance for Tesla's technology.

  2. Tesla FSD Scheduled for EU Review in May, Wider Rollout Possible by Summer 2026

    CEO Elon Musk indicated that the supervised FSD version is scheduled for EU review in May. A full EU-wide approval is potentially expected by summer 2026, following the Netherlands' initial approval. The system has accumulated over 1.6 million kilometers of testing on European roads.

  3. Netherlands approves Tesla's Full Self-Driving Supervised system, first in Europe

    The Netherlands has become the first European country to approve Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised system, following extensive regulatory review and testing. This approval is expected to pave the way for a bloc-wide rollout by summer 2026. Tesla is also introducing a new €99 monthly subscription for FSD in the Netherlands.

March 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Netherlands Vehicle Authority reviews Tesla FSD submission, decision expected by April 2026

    As of this date, the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) is actively reviewing Tesla's comprehensive FSD submission and the results of the recently completed final vehicle testing. A decision for the Netherlands is now anticipated by April 10, 2026, which could pave the way for broader EU-wide approval by summer 2026. This ongoing review represents the culmination of years of development and regulatory engagement, with the final outcome eagerly awaited by Tesla and its European customers.

February 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Elon Musk acknowledges European regulatory hurdles for Tesla's FSD rollout

    Elon Musk, in a public statement, acknowledged the significant regulatory hurdles in Europe, indicating that the approval process was taking longer than initially anticipated. He emphasized Tesla's commitment to meeting all safety standards but also hinted at the complexities of navigating diverse national interpretations of EU regulations. This statement adjusted market expectations for the FSD rollout timeline in Europe.

January 2026 — 1 developments

  1. RDW oversees Tesla FSD system's final vehicle testing on public roads

    Tesla entered the final phase of vehicle testing under direct RDW oversight, focusing on specific scenarios and edge cases identified during the review process. This involved RDW engineers observing and validating the FSD system's performance in real-time on public roads. The objective was to confirm the system's reliability and safety under the most challenging conditions before a final decision could be made.

November 2025 — 1 developments

  1. Tesla addresses minor FSD incidents during European testing with software adjustments

    Reports surfaced detailing minor FSD incidents during the extensive European testing phase, such as unexpected braking or lane deviations, which were promptly addressed by Tesla through software adjustments. These incidents, while not severe, highlighted the iterative nature of FSD development and the continuous need for refinement. Tesla provided detailed explanations and corrective actions to the RDW, demonstrating its commitment to safety improvements.

September 2025 — 1 developments

  1. RDW begins final review of Tesla's updated FSD submission for European deployment

    The RDW commenced an intensive, final-stage review of Tesla's updated FSD submission, involving a team of technical experts and safety assessors. This phase included detailed analysis of the provided data, simulations, and the results from the on-road demonstrations. The thorough review was critical for determining whether the FSD system met the stringent European safety and performance standards for deployment.

July 2025 — 1 developments

  1. Tesla Submits Revised FSD Documentation to RDW, Addressing Regulatory Requirements

    Tesla submitted a significantly revised and expanded documentation package to the RDW, incorporating all requested additional data, test results, and software updates. This comprehensive submission addressed all previous feedback and provided an updated safety case for the FSD system. The submission marked a major milestone, signaling Tesla's belief that it had met the extensive regulatory requirements for type-approval.

May 2025 — 1 developments

  1. European Transport Ministers Discuss Harmonization of Autonomous Driving Laws

    European transport ministers held a summit to discuss further harmonization of autonomous driving laws across member states, aiming to streamline approval processes for advanced systems. While not directly impacting Tesla's ongoing RDW application, these discussions signaled a broader political will to facilitate autonomous vehicle deployment. The outcome of these talks could potentially simplify future pan-European approvals for FSD.

March 2025 — 1 developments

  1. Tesla demonstrates FSD capabilities to European regulators

    Tesla conducted a series of public and private demonstrations of its FSD capabilities for RDW officials and other European regulatory representatives. These demonstrations showcased the system's ability to navigate urban environments, handle roundabouts, and react to unexpected events on European roads. The events were designed to build confidence in the technology and address specific concerns raised by the authorities.

January 2025 — 1 developments

  1. RDW requests Tesla FSD safety demonstrations and data logs

    The RDW formally requested specific on-road safety demonstrations and detailed data logs from Tesla to verify the FSD system's performance in critical scenarios. This included tests for emergency braking, lane keeping in complex intersections, and pedestrian detection. Tesla began preparing for these rigorous demonstrations, which were a crucial step in proving the system's real-world safety capabilities under regulatory scrutiny.

November 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Tesla releases FSD software update for European markets, adapting to local traffic conditions

    Tesla released a significant FSD software update specifically tailored for European markets, incorporating adaptations for local road signs, traffic light configurations, and driving behaviors. This update addressed feedback from early European testers and regulatory requests for localization. The refinement aimed to improve the system's performance and compliance with European traffic laws, moving closer to regulatory acceptance.

September 2024 — 1 developments

  1. European Regulators Clarify Driver-Assistance System Levels, Classifying Tesla FSD as Level 2

    European regulators, including representatives from the RDW, issued a joint clarification emphasizing the distinction between Level 2 driver-assistance systems and Level 3 automated driving systems. This clarification underscored that systems requiring continuous driver supervision, like Tesla's FSD, would be strictly classified as Level 2, impacting how they could be marketed and operated. The statement aimed to manage public expectations and ensure safety standards were clearly understood.

July 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Elon Musk reiterates confidence in European FSD approval by year-end

    Elon Musk, during an investor call, reiterated his confidence in achieving European FSD approval, suggesting a potential rollout by the end of the year. While expressing optimism, he also acknowledged the complexity of navigating diverse European regulations compared to the US. This statement provided an updated, albeit ambitious, timeline for investors and customers, reflecting ongoing discussions with regulatory bodies.

May 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Tesla FSD test vehicles accumulate millions of kilometers of driving data in Europe

    Reports from industry analysts and internal sources indicated that Tesla's FSD test vehicles in Europe had accumulated millions of kilometers of driving data. This extensive real-world testing was a key component of Tesla's strategy to prove the system's safety and reliability to European regulators. The sheer volume of data was intended to demonstrate the system's robustness across a wide range of scenarios encountered on European roads.

March 2024 — 2 developments

  1. Tesla's Full Self-Driving Nears European Launch with Potential Netherlands Approval

    Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) technology is nearing its European launch, with a potential approval date in the Netherlands set for April 10, 2026. Following this, other European countries can recognize it nationally, paving the way for a potential EU-wide rollout by the summer of 2026. The company has completed its final vehicle testing phase in partnership with the Dutch vehicle authority, RDW.

  2. Tesla Expands FSD Beta Testing to France and UK

    Tesla expanded its FSD Beta testing program to a wider group of employees and select customers across several more European countries, including France and the UK. This expansion aimed to collect a more diverse dataset from various road types, weather conditions, and driving cultures. The increased testing mileage was crucial for refining the FSD software and demonstrating its adaptability to the varied European infrastructure.

January 2024 — 1 developments

  1. RDW provides preliminary feedback to Tesla, requesting clarification and additional data

    The RDW provided preliminary feedback on Tesla's initial submission, requesting further clarification and additional data points on specific safety functions and operational design domains. This feedback indicated areas where Tesla's documentation needed to be more robust or where the system's performance required more detailed evidence. Tesla began working on addressing these points, preparing for subsequent rounds of information exchange.

November 2023 — 1 developments

  1. Tesla submits FSD documentation to RDW, commencing European review process

    Tesla submitted its initial documentation package to the RDW, detailing the FSD system's architecture, safety case, and preliminary test results. This extensive submission included technical specifications, risk assessments, and compliance reports against relevant EU regulations. The submission represented months of engineering and legal work, formally commencing the official review period by European authorities.

September 2023 — 1 developments

  1. RDW outlines initial regulatory requirements for Tesla FSD type-approval in Europe

    The RDW provided Tesla with a detailed outline of the initial regulatory requirements and documentation needed for FSD type-approval in Europe. This included specifications for safety performance, data recording, cybersecurity, and human-machine interface. The comprehensive list highlighted the stringent standards Tesla would need to meet, emphasizing the differences from the US regulatory approach and setting clear benchmarks for the submission process.

July 2023 — 1 developments

  1. Tesla begins formal talks with Dutch authority for FSD approval in EU

    Tesla initiated formal discussions with the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW), the designated type-approval authority for automated vehicles in the EU, regarding the process for FSD approval. These preliminary meetings focused on understanding the specific technical and safety requirements outlined by European regulations. The engagement marked a critical step in moving from internal testing to official regulatory review, establishing a direct communication channel with key European authorities.

May 2023 — 1 developments

  1. Tesla rolls out FSD Beta to select testers in Germany and Norway, first time outside North America

    Tesla reportedly began a limited rollout of FSD Beta to a few selected testers in Europe, specifically in Germany and Norway, marking the first time the advanced driver-assistance system was made available outside North America. This initial phase was crucial for gathering real-world data on European road conditions, traffic laws, and driver behavior, which differ significantly from those in the US. The feedback from these early testers would inform subsequent software iterations and help Tesla adapt FSD to the continent's unique driving environment, laying the groundwork for broader regulatory submissions.

June 2022 — 1 developments

  1. Elon Musk's FSD Beta for Europe misses predicted timeline

    Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, publicly estimated that FSD Beta would be available for Europe's left-hand drive markets by this time. This marked one of the earliest specific timelines provided for FSD's expansion into Europe, setting expectations for European customers and investors. However, this prediction did not materialize, indicating the initial challenges in bringing the advanced driver-assistance system to the continent due to regulatory complexities and the need for localized adaptation.

January 2019 — 1 developments

  1. EU Introduces Regulation 2019/2144 for Motor Vehicle General Safety and Automated Vehicles

    The European Union introduced Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, establishing a framework for the type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to their general safety. This regulation became a foundational legal document governing automated vehicles within the EU, permitting Level 3 automated vehicles (requiring a safety driver) on public roads. This regulatory environment set the stage for the complex approval process Tesla would later face for its FSD system in Europe, requiring adherence to specific safety and operational standards.