NETHERLANDS — The Netherlands became the first European country to approve Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, allowing Tesla owners in the country to use the driver assistance feature under certain conditions. The Dutch RDW agency for roadworthiness certifications said the system can now be used in the Netherlands, with possible future expansion to all member states of the European Union.

The RDW said it had subjected the system to extensive review before granting its approval. "This driver controlled assistance system has been extensively examined and tested for more than one and a half years on our test track and on public roads," the agency said. The RDW added that drivers must remain in the vehicle and keep a watchful eye on the system while it is in use.

The system hands over steering, braking, route navigation and parking to the vehicle's computer system under the active supervision of the driver, who remains ready to take over if needed. The RDW distinguished the approved feature from full vehicle autonomy. "A vehicle with FSD Supervised is not self-driving. It is a driver assistance system, and the driver remains responsible and must always maintain control," the agency said.

The RDW's decision must still be authorized by the European Commission before the certification can take effect across the EU. Without that authorization, the approval applies only within the Netherlands. The decision brings the country into alignment with rules in the United States, where Tesla owners can already use the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) function.

Tesla's European subsidiary posted on X that the system had been approved in the Netherlands and would begin rolling out shortly. The subsidiary also said it was excited to bring FSD Supervised to more European countries. Tesla CEO Elon Musk posted on X: "Congratulations to the Tesla team and thank you to the regulatory authorities in the Netherlands for all the hard work required to make this happen."

Tesla sales in Europe, including in the Netherlands, have declined in the last couple of years. The company also faces increased competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. Some potential clients have said that Musk's political positions in the U.S. and Germany deterred them from purchasing Tesla vehicles.