Tesla "Full Self-Driving" – now permitted in the Netherlands

Tesla cars are now allowed to drive semi-autonomously in the Netherlands. The approval is not automatically binding on the EU, but it makes subsequent approvals easier. How independent does Tesla become with this feature piese auto online.

Tesla "Full Self-Driving" – now permitted in the Netherlands

Tesla is taking the lead in autonomous driving in Europe: the American manufacturer has received general approval for self-driving in the Netherlands from April 10, 2026. The “Fully Autonomous Driving (Supervised)” function – loosely translated as “highly automated, supervised driving” – is now legal on the entire Dutch road network. The function – if activated by the manufacturer – can therefore be used by any Tesla driver within the country.

Approval pending in other EU countries

The approval of the Dutch Road Traffic Service (RDW) serves as a model for the entire EU. As soon as it is available, it can be used as a model for further approvals in all other Member States – provided that the relevant approval authorities have no objections. However, the process is not automatic and takes several weeks to months, depending on the authority and the processing effort.

“Applying for approvals for other EU countries is the next step,” a Tesla spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch. The feature can now be enabled later via an over-the-air (OTA) update. However, it is only possible for vehicles in the Netherlands and according to Tesla it costs €99 per month as a subscription – or a flat fee of €7,500 when purchased. If you cross the Dutch border, the geofencing feature is disabled.

What can Tesla cars do with fully self-driving (under supervision)? Tesla is making a big fuss about this feature – starting with the slightly misleading name, as “Full Self Driving” is not a robotic car mode, but simply meets the SAE Level 3 standard for autonomous driving.

Level 3 means: the car can drive a pre-selected route independently, including signaling, overtaking and braking – but the driver must devote his full attention to what is happening on the road and must be able to take control at any time.

Car parts AutoPower
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Tesla is taking the lead in autonomous driving in Europe: the American manufacturer has received general approval for self-driving in the Netherlands from April 10, 2026

Approval pending in other EU countries