Dutch safety regulators are telling Tesla fans to back off and chill out over the company’s push for approval of its ‘FSD Supervised’ system in the country.
The RDW, a Dutch safety authority tasked with vehicle certification, has had enough of emails and calls from excited Model Y owners eager to see their cars’ semi-autonomous systems get the green light. They’re politely but firmly asking everyone to stop contacting them about it. The agency’s message? Such efforts won’t change its mind.
“We thank everyone who has already done so and would like to ask everyone not to contact us about this,” the RDW said in a statement, adding that these communications take up unnecessary time for customer service and have no impact on decision-making. The regulator is clear: road safety trumps all else.
The RDW’s stance isn’t surprising given Tesla’s ongoing struggles with regulatory bodies globally. Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. launched an investigation into FSD-equipped Teslas following reports of widespread traffic violations tied to their use.
Tesla initially encouraged its followers to reach out to RDW to voice support for FSD approval. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Tesla claimed that ‘RDW has committed to granting Netherlands National approval in February 2026,’ but the agency quickly corrected this misinformation, stating such approval is not guaranteed.
“Tesla’s attempts at self-promotion and public pressure are starting to wear thin with regulators. The Dutch RDW’s response is a reminder that no amount of fan support can bypass stringent safety standards,” said an industry insider familiar with European regulations.
The company must now prove its technology meets the Netherlands’ strict criteria for autonomous systems, which could mean further delays for FSD in Europe. Tesla has scheduled demonstrations to showcase the system’s capabilities, and RDW will make a decision based on those results. Approval is possible as early as February, but it hinges entirely on safety validation.
While enthusiasts eagerly await FSD in the Netherlands, regulators remain cautious. The stakes are high for both parties: Tesla wants its cutting-edge tech to shine; RDW aims to protect road users. It’s a delicate dance that could set a precedent for how other European countries handle FSD approval.
