Tesla drivers in Spain face anxious wait as EU decision on Full Self-Driving looms

Tesla drivers in Spain are anxiously awaiting a decision from EU officials regarding the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, with the key discussion set for October 6. The FSD system, not fully autonomous, requires the driver to remain in control, allowing for hands-off driving but not sleep. Previously approved in the Netherlands under EU rules, the system now faces discussions in the EU's Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles, where a vote is not currently scheduled.

Instead, officials will continue to review the Dutch request, with the next meeting not until December. This delay is seen as a setback for Tesla, which has been lobbying for broader European approval. While the Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark, Belgium, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic have recognized the Dutch approval, Spain has not, leaving Tesla owners there unable to access the technology.

Germany, France, and Italy, major European car markets, have yet to follow suit. An EU-wide approval requires the support of at least 15 member states representing 65% of the bloc's population. Safety organizations have voiced concerns about speed limit handling by the FSD system, particularly Tesla's 'speed offset' function, which could allow a vehicle to exceed a detected speed limit by up to 50%.

They argue this conflicts with UN rules on driver-assistance systems. Despite Tesla's claims of reduced collision rates involving FSD compared to manual driving, these figures have not been independently verified. For Spanish Tesla owners, October 6 is unlikely to bring the desired FSD availability, with discussions ongoing and a possible decision by December.