Tesla Pushes FSD in Europe — Regulators Hesitate
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently shared his frustration about delays in getting regulatory approval for Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Europe. Musk tweeted: “I am waiting for Dutch authorities and then the EU to approve. It is very frustrating and hurts the safety of people in Europe, as using advanced Autopilot leads to four times fewer injuries!”. The car manufacturer has shared time-lapse videos demonstrating FSD maneuvering through the bustling streets of Paris and Rome—encountering roundabouts, scooters, cobblestones, and more—to showcase the system’s preparedness. Based on Tesla‘s internal information, the use of FSD lowers the risk of injury by four times compared to human drivers and is ten times less prone to being involved in an accident. European regulators are approaching the situation carefully, referencing legal obligations under EU regulations such as the Vehicle General Safety Regulation and amendments to the Vienna Convention. These laws require well-defined lines of responsibility and a standard that goes beyond Level 2 automation.
Tesla’s European FSD Demonstrations
Paris, around the Arc de Triomphe:
A notoriously confusing roundabout with 12 incoming roads. Tesla’s FSD navigated it unscathed
Rome’s hectic, narrow, scooter‑filled streets:
Additionally, it has been effectively managed in the latest video release.
Amsterdam & the Netherlands:
Testing in tight urban streets, including areas with cyclists, is currently in progress. It has been reported that Dutch authorities are collaborating with Tesla on a standardized FSD guideline.
Even with videos intended to highlight capabilities, European regulators continue to be unimpressed, stressing that mere demonstration does not meet legal and safety standards.
Regulatory & Legal Roadblocks: Fragmented Approval Procedures
Europe’s regulatory landscape regarding automotive technology is highly intricate and multifaceted. Tesla must navigate the approval process established by the Netherlands vehicle authority, known as RDW, which involves thorough assessments of safety and compliance. Additionally, the company is required to adhere to stringent regulations outlined by the European Union that govern the deployment of Automated Driving Systems (ADS), ensuring that these technologies meet specific safety, environmental, and operational standards before they can be used on public roads.
Legal Responsibility Concerns
Under the regulations established by the European Union, it is mandatory for a driver to maintain full control of their vehicle at all times to ensure safety on the roads. For fully autonomous driving (FSD) systems that allow for hands-free operation to be deemed legal and acceptable, comprehensive legislation must be put in place that explicitly delineates responsibility in the event of accidents—this guidance is notably absent in current laws, leaving ambiguity in terms of liability and accountability.
Ongoing Safety Scrutiny
Independently conducted tests, such as those carried out by The Dawn Project, have highlighted serious concerns regarding the performance of autonomous vehicles. These tests demonstrate a troubling failure to detect stationary school buses, which are typically equipped with flashing lights and extended stop signs, as well as the inability to recognize children present in simulations, posing significant risks to safety in real-world scenarios. Tesla’s transition from using radar technology to a camera-only system termed “Tesla Vision” has sparked considerable criticism. Various advocacy groups and regulatory bodies have underscored significant concerns regarding the system’s limitations in accurately detecting pedestrians and various objects in diverse driving conditions. This shift has raised questions about the safety implications for both drivers and pedestrians, highlighting the need for robust safety measures in autonomous vehicle technology.
Lawsuits and Legal Precedents
Germany has already witnessed significant legal challenges in various courts concerning Tesla’s promotional imagery for its Autopilot feature. Judges have emphasized the necessity for more transparent communication to ensure that consumers fully understand the capabilities and limitations of the technology being advertised.
Why Europe Is Slower Than the U.S.
Safer-but-slower framework:
EU regulations, such as the Vehicle General Safety Regulation and the 2019 UNECE guidelines, guarantee that all new automated driving technology complies with strict safety standards initially.
Legal obligations:
The changes to the Vienna Convention stipulate a “driver in control,” implying that Level 2 FSD continues to be the upper limit unless there are updates to the laws.
Liability ambiguity:
Lacking clear understanding of whether the driver or the software is to blame in accidents, regulators continue to exercise caution.
No regulatory one-stop:
Each member state can demand its consent prior to granting EU-wide authorization.
What’s at Stake? Safety vs. Innovation
Tesla claims that FSD has the potential to improve road safety, referencing a fourfold decrease in injuries when compared to human drivers. Regulators, on the other hand, assert that results from real-world testing, thoroughly validated, are required beyond what companies claim.
Competitive Landscape
The UK intends to begin trials for driverless taxis in 2026 under the Automated Vehicles Act, increasing pressure on the EU to keep pace in the realm of autonomous mobility. At the same time, competitors Waymo, Pony.ai, and Baidu are advancing in different markets.
Consumer Confidence
Public doubt persists, particularly following news reports about accidents and the ‘beta’ designation of FSD. The more stringent regulations in Europe probably mirror the desire of citizens for safer implementation standards.
What Comes Next?
Dutch-Supervised Trials:
Tesla might soon begin supervised trials of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature in the Netherlands due to new local regulations.
EU-Level Type Approval:
Official testing and data submissions are mandatory under the EU’s 2022 regulations for automated vehicles.
Legal Framework Updates:
The EU and national authorities need to establish accountability and obligations regarding hands-off driving.
Safety Audits & Real-World Data Sharing:
European authorities will assess the results from independent third-party tests, in addition to Tesla’s own data.
Pilot Deployment:
Despite receiving approvals, the implementation will probably be slow, potentially beginning in specific areas, perhaps in the Netherlands or Germany, prior to a wider rollout.
A Delicate Balance
Tesla is quickly working to expand the worldwide rollout of FSD and robotaxis, with trials in the U.S. set to begin soon, relying on its visual AI, urban navigation technology, and asserted safety improvements. Regulators are indicating that strong legal definitions and validated safety through peer review—rather than just impressive video presentations—are essential requirements. As Musk urged European regulators to “speed up efforts to enhance Tesla’s safety in Europe,” it’s evident that both parties sense a pressing need: Tesla for broader market access and regulators to maintain public safety. The effectiveness of Europe’s careful approach as either a protective measure or an obstacle to technological advancement hinges on how swiftly legal structures evolve—and whether Tesla’s commitments are genuinely validated through thorough real-world assessments. In the upcoming months, anticipate important developments: supervised testing in the Netherlands, results of EU safety assessments, and regulatory decisions expected in late 2025 or early 2026. This period could determine whether Tesla starts its projects or faces setbacks in its European FSD aspirations.