EU Regulators Voice Concerns Over Tesla's Full Self-Driving as Approval Process Advances

Introduction

As Tesla pushes for broader European deployment of its “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) system, newly obtained emails from EU regulators reveal significant skepticism. The correspondence, reviewed by Reuters, highlights official worries about speeding, safety on icy roads, and driver distraction — all critical issues as the Dutch regulator RDW presents Tesla’s FSD application to the EU’s Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles.

Regulator Concerns

European regulators have expressed a range of reservations about Tesla’s FSD technology. The emails detail three primary areas of concern: speeding behavior, safety on icy roads, and driver distraction.

Speeding

Officials worry that the FSD system may allow vehicles to exceed posted speed limits, potentially in violation of European traffic laws. Tesla’s current approach to speed settings has been a point of contention, as the system sometimes chooses speeds based on road conditions rather than strict adherence to limits.

Icy Road Safety

Another key issue is the system’s performance on icy or slippery roads. Regulators question whether FSD can reliably handle adverse winter conditions common in many EU countries, where traction loss and reduced visibility demand cautious driving.

Driver Distraction

Driver engagement remains a major concern. Despite Tesla’s requirement for drivers to keep hands on the wheel, regulators fear that FSD’s “Full Self-Driving” branding could lead motorists to become overconfident and inattentive — a problem already documented in studies of Tesla’s Autopilot.

The EU Approval Process

The Dutch regulator RDW is acting as Tesla’s approval authority under EU rules. RDW is currently presenting the FSD system to the EU’s Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles, a critical step toward certification for use across all member states. The committee is expected to scrutinize the technology against strict UN regulations for automated driving.

UN Regulation No. 157

EU approval hinges on compliance with UN Regulation No. 157, which governs automated lane keeping systems (ALKS). This regulation mandates that such systems cannot exceed 60 km/h (about 37 mph) and must have robust fail-safe mechanisms. Tesla’s FSD currently operates at higher speeds, which could require a waiver or modification.

Tesla’s Pushback

Tesla has consistently defended its FSD technology, arguing that it improves safety overall. The company points to internal data showing lower accident rates when Autopilot is engaged. However, regulators note that FSD still requires constant driver supervision and is not truly "self-driving" in the legal sense.

EU vs. US Approaches

The European skepticism contrasts with more lenient attitudes in the United States, where Tesla has been allowed to test FSD on public roads with fewer restrictions. European regulators, however, are taking a more cautious approach, emphasizing proactive safety validation over post-market monitoring.

Implications for European Deployment

The outcome of the RDW’s presentation to the Technical Committee will determine whether FSD can be offered to European customers. If approved, Tesla could begin rolling out FSD in the EU within months. But if concerns persist, the process could stall, forcing Tesla to make significant adjustments.

Regulators have threatened to block approval unless Tesla addresses the speeding, icy road, and distraction issues. Some officials have even suggested that FSD’s name is misleading and should be renamed to avoid consumer confusion.

Conclusion

The emails obtained by Reuters underscore a pivotal moment for Tesla’s autonomous ambitions in Europe. While the company pushes for rapid deployment, EU regulators are demanding rigorous proof that FSD meets the highest safety standards. The coming weeks will reveal whether Tesla can overcome these hurdles — or whether European roads will remain off-limits to its self-driving technology.