Tesla vehicles equipped with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system are now permitted to drive on public roads in Belgium [1].
This decision marks a significant shift in the region's approach to autonomous vehicle technology. By allowing FSD on public infrastructure, Belgium integrates advanced driver-assistance systems into its national transport network, though the move maintains strict human oversight requirements.
The approval was announced June 11, 2026 [1]. The decision was made by the Flemish authorities and applies nationwide across Belgium [1, 2].
Despite the capability of the software to navigate roads, the legal framework requires a human driver to remain seated at all times [1]. This person must be prepared to intervene immediately if the system fails or encounters a situation it cannot handle [1, 3].
The rollout follows a period of regulatory scrutiny regarding how autonomous systems interact with European traffic laws. While some reports suggest Tesla drivers may have accessed these features as early as the previous month [3], the official announcement on June 11, 2026 [1], establishes the formal legal standing for the technology.
Authorities said the goal is to allow the use of advanced driver-assistance technology while ensuring safety through human supervision [1, 3]. This hybrid approach allows the government to gather data on autonomous performance without removing the legal liability and safety net provided by a licensed driver.
“Tesla vehicles equipped with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system are now permitted to drive on public roads in Belgium.”
The approval of FSD in Belgium signals a transition from strictly controlled testing environments to real-world application in Europe. By mandating that a driver remain seated and ready, Belgium is adopting a 'supervised' autonomy model rather than full autonomy. This allows the state to modernize its transit infrastructure while mitigating the legal and safety risks associated with completely driverless vehicles.
