Dutch RDW Grants Provisional Approval for Tesla FSD

The Netherlands vehicle authority RDW has issued provisional approval for Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system after 18 months of trials, allowing its use on all Dutch roads and notifying the European Commission of plans for broader EU adoption.

RDW conducted extensive testing before approval. The authority ran trials on test tracks and public roads for 18 months prior to the provisional approval granted on April 10. RDW states that the system, if used correctly, can improve road safety.

The approval marks a milestone for Tesla's driver assistance technology in Europe. It follows Tesla's selection of RDW, which previously handled its regular EU vehicle type approvals.

Tesla seeks exemption under EU motor vehicle law. Rather than pursuing standard type-approval, Tesla is requesting an exemption for FSD as a new technology not properly covered by existing rules. This exemption falls under Article 39 of Europe's motor vehicle approval law.

RDW notified the European Commission of its decision and its intention to propose the technology for wider European use. European vehicle regulators are scheduled to meet in Brussels, where RDW will present the case for EU-wide approval of Tesla's supervised FSD.

Testing details will not be published. The RDW does not plan to release specifics of its evaluation, citing regulations that bar publication of commercially sensitive information. The process represents an intensive review that preceded the provisional green light on April 10.

The development positions Tesla's FSD for potential expansion beyond the Netherlands if EU regulators endorse the proposal. RDW's role as the lead authority stems from its prior experience with Tesla approvals in the region.