Tesla is seeking approval to expand its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) driver assistance system across the European Union after receiving authorization from the Dutch vehicle authority, but the effort is facing growing scrutiny from regulators and safety groups.
In April, the Netherlands’ vehicle approval authority RDW granted type approval for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system. The technology allows drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel while the vehicle handles steering functions, although drivers are still required to monitor the road and remain prepared to intervene at any time.
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Tesla is now working with the Dutch regulator to secure broader EU recognition of the approval, potentially allowing the system to be deployed across member states. If EU-wide approval is not achieved, individual countries could separately decide whether to recognise the Dutch authorization.
The issue was discussed this week during a meeting of the European Commission’s Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles in Brussels. According to reports, the session was initially scheduled for 20 minutes but was later extended to an hour to allow for additional discussion. The meeting was held behind closed doors and no official outcome was disclosed.
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However, concerns about the system had already emerged ahead of the discussions. According to Reuters, regulatory authorities in Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway expressed reservations about approving the technology.
Officials reportedly questioned whether the name “Full Self-Driving” could mislead drivers despite the inclusion of the “Supervised” label. Regulators also raised concerns about the system’s handling of speed limits and winter driving conditions on icy roads.
The European Transport Safety Council also criticised the proposed approval process in an open letter to the European Commission, calling for the procedure to be suspended until additional safety questions are addressed.
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The organisation argued that increasingly capable driver-assistance systems can make it more difficult for motorists to remain attentive while supervising the technology.
The ETSC also criticised the European Commission’s Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles, saying the committee could approve hands-free driving on urban and rural roads across Europe through a closed-door vote based largely on a single national approval.
The group further referenced ongoing investigations in the United States involving Tesla’s driver assistance systems.
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According to Reuters, no vote was expected during the latest EU meeting, with national regulators now expected to review information provided by the Dutch RDW before any decision is made in the coming weeks or months.
