Tesla has reached another milestone in Europe: After the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, Denmark is now the fourth EU country to officially approve Tesla's "Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised." The approval allows Tesla drivers in Denmark to use the advanced driver assistance feature on highways and selected roads – a clear signal of Tesla's advance in Europe.
[NOTE] > The approval in Denmark follows a series of rapid-fire approvals: Within two months, Tesla received the green light in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and now Denmark. This shows that Tesla's strategy of applying for national approvals is successful.
Background: Why national approvals?
Unlike a uniform EU approval, Tesla chooses the path through national road traffic authorities. These decide based on local regulations and safety evidence. The RDW in the Netherlands plays a pioneering role. The Danish approval confirms that Tesla's system meets strict European requirements.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Country | Denmark |
| System | FSD Supervised |
| Approval Date | January 2025 (within two months) |
| Special Feature | Fourth EU country within two months |
| Safety Data | 0 accidents on 16.6 million km in Europe |
Safety record convinces
According to current Tesla data, FSD Supervised has not caused a single accident on over 16.6 million kilometers in Europe – an impressive safety record that has convinced approval authorities. This underscores how Tesla's neural networks and continuous software updates improve safety.
[IMPORTANT] > Safety Advantage: In the Netherlands, the accident rate of FSD was 3.5 times lower than that of human drivers. This data was instrumental in the quick approvals in other countries.
What's next?
With Denmark as the fourth country, pressure is growing on other EU states to grant approvals. The UK is preparing with the VCA process, while countries like Sweden and France have signaled interest. Tesla aims to be present in all Western European countries by the end of 2025.
Impact on the competition
Tesla's successes in Europe put competitors like Mercedes, BMW, or Waymo under pressure. Waymo continues to focus on the US, while Mercedes with Drive Pilot at Level 3 in Germany technically catches up but hardly expands to Level 4. Tesla's rapid national approvals show that the company is ahead.
Technical requirements
FSD Supervised requires the latest hardware (HW4) and software version. Older vehicles with HW3 can only participate to a limited extent. Tesla now also offers the option to subscribe to the system in Denmark – a flexible model for customers.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't Tesla get EU-wide approval?
EU approval for autonomous driving is complex because it requires harmonization of all national regulations. Therefore, Tesla chooses the faster path through national authorities like the RDW or Danish road traffic offices. This enables a gradual introduction while Tesla works on EU-wide approval in parallel.
Is FSD Supervised in Denmark