The Netherlands approved Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assistance system on April 14, 2026 [3].
This approval marks the first time a European Union member state has permitted the system, potentially paving the way for a broader rollout across the continent. The move signals a shift in how EU regulators balance automotive innovation with strict safety standards.
To access the feature, drivers must first complete an online "FSD (Supervised) Activation Tutorial" competency test. This requirement ensures that operators understand the system's limitations and remain responsible for the vehicle's operation at all times. The Dutch vehicle-type approval agency, RDW, mandated the test to meet EU safety regulations.
Despite the approval, the rollout has sparked conflict among some Tesla owners. While the system is now permitted, reports indicate that the launch in the Netherlands excludes owners of vehicles equipped with Hardware 3 (HW3). This exclusion has led to a collective claim by affected owners for €6,800 [1].
Other owners are demanding a $7,500 refund [2], arguing that FSD is unavailable on older vehicles despite previous promises from the company. These disputes highlight a growing tension between Tesla's software ambitions and the physical limitations of its older hardware versions.
Tesla's system in the Netherlands remains a supervised feature, meaning the driver must keep the vehicle under constant supervision. The RDW approval aligns the Dutch framework more closely with rules currently used in the U.S.
“The Netherlands approved Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assistance system on April 14, 2026.”
The Dutch approval establishes a regulatory precedent for FSD in Europe, shifting the burden of safety onto the driver via mandatory education. However, the exclusion of older hardware creates a legal and financial liability for Tesla, as owners of legacy vehicles may seek compensation for features that are now legally permissible but technically unsupported.
