• The Netherlands' RDW reports no relevant incidents with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software so far.
  • RDW has increased monitoring of the 40,000 Teslas using FSD in the country.
  • The regulator's oversight marks a key step in Europe's cautious approach to autonomous driving.

No 'Relevant Incidents' Yet

The Dutch road authority RDW says it has not recorded any relevant incidents involving Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, despite heightened scrutiny. Speaking on condition of anonymity, an RDW official confirmed that the agency had increased monitoring of Teslas equipped with FSD in the Netherlands, where around 40,000 vehicles are now using the driver-assistance system. “We are watching closely, but so far the data shows no safety red flags,” the official said.

Expanding Oversight

RDW’s stepped-up surveillance comes as Tesla pushes to expand FSD’s footprint in Europe. The regulator approved the software for use on Dutch roads in late 2025, subject to strict conditions including mandatory incident reporting and driver-attention monitoring. The agency has since been conducting periodic performance reviews, though it declined to provide specific metrics. “Our focus is on ensuring that the system operates safely in real-world conditions,” the official added.

A Milestone for European Autonomy

The Netherlands is serving as a testbed for Tesla’s European FSD rollout. Unlike the U.S., where regulation is more fragmented, Europe requires formal EU type-approval under UN R-171 for automated driving features. RDW’s oversight model—combining approval with active monitoring—could shape how other EU countries approach similar technologies. For now, Tesla drivers in the Netherlands must remain attentive and ready to take over at any time, a requirement that mirrors the software’s ‘Supervised’ designation.

Industry Context

The RDW’s positive early assessment is a boost for Tesla, which has faced questions about FSD’s safety record in the U.S. Investors have been watching the European rollout as a potential driver of software revenue growth. However, the company’s recent quarterly results showed mixed demand, with profitability under pressure amid competitive pricing. The Dutch experience could influence consumer confidence in autonomous driving features, while insurers and municipalities watch for liability implications. “If the data continues to be clean, it could accelerate adoption,” said a European automotive analyst who asked not to be named.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the number of Teslas with FSD in the Netherlands as 30,000. The correct figure is 40,000.