Dublin: Tesla is holding discussions with several European governments, including Ireland, as it seeks approval for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software across the European Union.
The company aims to launch the technology in Europe this summer as part of efforts to strengthen sales in the region after reporting a 27% decline last year.
The Netherlands has become the first EU country to approve Tesla’s FSD technology following 18 months of testing and evaluation on public roads by the Dutch Road Authority (RDW).
Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” system is classified as a Level 2+ driver-assistance technology. It allows hands-off steering under certain conditions, while the driver must remain alert, monitor the road continuously, and take full responsibility for the vehicle at all times.
The RDW clarified that the system is not fully autonomous and should not be considered “self-driving” in the true sense. The software can control acceleration, braking, and steering but still requires active driver supervision.
Level 2 driver-assistance systems are already permitted on European roads. Tesla’s upgraded FSD system introduces additional functionality, including temporary hands-free operation. By comparison, Level 3 systems — which allow drivers to briefly take their eyes off the road under limited conditions — are already available in Europe through systems such as Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot, which was launched in Germany in 2023.
Tesla currently offers its Enhanced Autopilot package for €3,800 through its website. Reports suggest the feature may shift to a subscription-based model from May 21. Features include automatic lane changing, navigation assistance on highways, self-parking, and Smart Summon technology, which allows the vehicle to move short distances without a driver inside.
The system operates using a combination of cameras, sensors, and onboard software. However, Tesla states that drivers must remain attentive and prepared to take control immediately if necessary.
In Ireland, the Department of Transport confirmed that it is engaging with Tesla and Ireland’s regulatory authority, the National Standards Authority of Ireland, regarding the potential approval of FSD technology.
The department said discussions are ongoing both nationally and at EU level, but no timeline has yet been established for approval. Officials noted that such systems can only be authorised in Ireland once they receive approval under EU regulations.
Ireland has been developing a national strategy for connected and autonomous vehicles since 2018, although the strategy has yet to be finalised. However, amendments introduced under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 are expected to create a legal pathway for Level 2 systems to operate on Irish roads, including routes such as Dublin’s M50 motorway.
Although some vehicles sold in Ireland are technically capable of supporting such systems, manufacturers have not yet activated the features because of existing legal restrictions.
Regulators in Sweden, Norway and Finland have raised concerns about Tesla’s FSD performance, particularly regarding vehicle speed and operation on icy roads.
In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into approximately 2.9 million Tesla vehicles last year following reports of accidents involving the FSD system.
US regulators also identified concerns involving the software’s ability to detect stationary vehicles and the limited time drivers were given to react in certain situations. Experts have warned that overconfidence among drivers using advanced assistance systems has contributed to accidents involving autonomous driving technology.
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