Tesla’s Driving Assistance System (Tesla FSD) Gets The Green Light In The Netherlands

The Dutch vehicle and licensing authority, RDW, has been the first in Europe to approve Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, making the Netherlands the first to have this advanced system running on its streets.

So what difference does it mean in terms of daily driving?

In Practical Terms, Tesla FSD Supervised Explained

The RDW has examined the supervised Tesla FSD system over the last 18 months. It concluded that the software can help make roads safer. Then “supervised” part is key to remember. The vehicle is not fully independent; it has a driver-control-assist system on board. The driver is legally responsible for the vehicle and must maintain control at all times. The hands can come off the steering wheel and rest casually, while all the safeguards are in place that detect the exact moment something goes wrong.

It checks your attention levels and alerts you if it senses you are attending to something other than driving. Reading or scrolling through your phone while driving is not possible, therefore.

Read Also: Schiphol Airport Launches Self-Driving Wheelchairs to Boost Accessibility

What the Netherlands Wants the EU to do

Now that the Netherlands has given its clearance, RDW plans to request permission from the European Commission to authorize this system across the entire EU. Eventually, voting will begin among the Union’s various countries.

Although drivers in the United States have been using a version of Tesla FSD software for a while (at $99 a month), Dutch legislation differs. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, even took to social media to declare that the RDW had given the technology the most rigorous assessment.

Legal Cautions and Insurance

There are several legal challenges and insurance risks if the car allows the software to take over the primary driving function on the road without a human at the wheel. In case of an accident, the insurance companies are sure to act against you because you did not supervise the car correctly.

The proof of software error, considered in favor of the driver, seems impossible due to a lack of direct access to the backend data of the Tesla FSD system in the Netherlands. Lawyers, sensing the potential resistance from the manufacturer, would see it as necessary for the driver to take the matter to court solely to secure the release of this data. Even though many expats would love to drive a car with this incredible new technology, the bottom line is that the driver still has the responsibility.