The Dutch Vehicle Authority (RDW) has confirmed that February 2026 remains the target date for Tesla to demonstrate regulatory compliance with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in Europe. This update comes after months of speculation and anticipation surrounding Tesla’s ambitious plans.
In a statement posted on their official website, RDW emphasized that safety is the primary concern when it comes to FSD’s approval rather than public pressure or deadlines set by manufacturers like ‘Tesla’. This stance aligns with their commitment to ensuring that all vehicles on Dutch roads meet stringent safety standards.
RDW’s statement also sheds light on the regulatory process Tesla must go through before FSD can be approved for use in Europe. According to EU Regulation 2018/858, manufacturers like ‘Tesla’ can seek exemptions for advanced driver assistance systems that are not yet covered by existing legislation. However, before a request can be filed, Tesla must complete the type-approval process with RDW.
The approval involves rigorous testing to ensure FSD meets all necessary safety and compliance standards. If successful, this could pave the way for an EU-wide vote on whether to grant the exemption across all member states. Despite the outlined timeline, RDW has made it clear that February 2026 is not a guaranteed date.
RDW’s response also addressed Tesla’s social media request encouraging drivers to contact them in support of FSD approval. They thanked those who had already reached out but asked for no further communications on this matter, citing the burden such inquiries place on customer service resources and their lack of influence on the decision-making process.
