Tesla FSD Approved in Netherlands, Europe Rollout Begins
The Dutch vehicle authority RDW approved Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system for public roads on April 10. As a result, the Netherlands became the first European country to grant clearance for this advanced driver-assistance technology. The approval followed more than 18 months of testing across EU roads. During this period, Tesla conducted over 1.6 million kilometers of driving.
In addition, the process included more than 13,000 customer ride-alongs and over 4,500 controlled track scenarios. Consequently, the approval reflects a structured validation of performance under varied conditions.
Early Rollout and Technical Deployment
Following approval, Tesla quickly initiated deployment in the Netherlands. By the next day, the company began releasing software update 2026.3.6 to early-access users. The rollout currently focuses on vehicles equipped with AI4 hardware.
Moreover, these vehicles operate a localized version of FSD v14.2, which aligns with the tested configuration. Tesla has set the subscription price at €99 per month for European users. Therefore, the company is positioning the feature as a premium software service rather than a standard inclusion.
Regulatory Scope and European Expansion Path
However, regulators classified the system strictly as driver assistance rather than autonomous driving. Accordingly, drivers must remain engaged and retain full control at all times. The approval falls under UN R-171 regulations and uses the EU Article 39 exemption framework. As a result, the authorization currently applies only within the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, authorities have submitted documentation to the European Commission for broader approval. If accepted, other countries may follow through with mutual recognition. Consequently, Germany, France, and Italy could adopt similar approvals within weeks, while wider European availability may follow by mid-2026.
