Estonia Joins Netherlands and Lithuania in Approving Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Supervised Software
Estonia has recently become the third European country to give the green light to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Supervised software, following in the footsteps of the Netherlands and Lithuania. The Estonian Transport Administration officially approved the system after recognizing the safety approval already granted by Dutch regulators, paving the way for Tesla to introduce the technology locally. This decision was made easier by the fact that Estonia has had autonomous and remote-controlled vehicles on its roads since 2017, demonstrating their familiarity with advanced driving technologies.
The Full Self-Driving Supervised software operates as a Level 2 driver assist system, which means that drivers are still required to keep their hands on the wheel, remain alert, and be prepared to take control of the vehicle at any given moment. The Netherlands initiated the approval process earlier this year following an extensive 18-month review that subjected the software to 4,500 different scenarios and analyzed over 1.6 million kilometers of driving data. Lithuania followed suit by utilizing EU mutual recognition rules, which allow member states to accept vehicle certifications approved by other national authorities. Estonia also adopted this approach.
While some European countries are moving quickly to approve Tesla’s technology, others are proceeding with caution. France and Germany have chosen to wait until the European Commission completes a centralized review before giving their stamp of approval. Additionally, regulators in Scandinavia have raised concerns about how the Full Self-Driving software handles icy road conditions and adheres to local speed limits. Tesla is reportedly collaborating with EU authorities to achieve broader regional approval later this year.
Overall, Estonia’s decision to approve Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Supervised software underscores the country’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology and advancing the future of autonomous driving. With more European nations beginning to recognize the potential benefits of these innovative systems, it’s clear that the automotive industry is on the brink of a significant transformation.