Netherlands Approves Tesla's Self-Driving Tech for Roads

Drivers in the Netherlands are getting access to technology that could change how they experience the road, and safety regulators are giving it a thumbs up.

The Dutch vehicle authority RDW has approved Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system for public use, making the Netherlands the first country in Europe to greenlight the advanced driver assistance feature. After testing the technology for over a year and a half on both test tracks and real roads, authorities concluded it offers "a positive contribution to road safety."

The system helps drivers by handling acceleration, braking, and steering, though the driver remains legally responsible and must stay ready to take control at any moment. Sensors constantly monitor whether the driver is paying attention and can quickly grab the wheel if needed.

When the system detects a distracted driver, it sounds an alarm requiring immediate intervention. Activities like reading are still prohibited, and hands must be ready to take over instantly, even if they don't need to rest on the wheel constantly.

Tesla says the technology was trained on billions of kilometers of real-world driving data and can navigate residential streets, city roads, and highways. According to Tesla owner Elon Musk, the Dutch review process was "extremely rigorous."

The feature will roll out "shortly" to Tesla Model 3 and Model Y owners in the Netherlands through wireless updates. Drivers can subscribe for €99 monthly or pay €7,500 upfront to activate it.

The Ripple Effect

This approval could open doors across Europe. The Dutch authority can now submit an application to the European Commission, and if approved, other EU countries may accept the technology without additional testing.

Before this green light, the system was only available in six countries: Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States. Now European drivers are joining a growing global community benefiting from advanced safety assistance.

The decision shows how thorough testing and thoughtful regulation can bring promising technology to people who want it while keeping safety front and center.