Finland may approve Tesla's self-driving software before EU vote

Finland's transport authority is prepared to grant provisional approval for Tesla's self-driving assistance system earlier than a European Union-wide decision anticipated in October. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) stated it could proceed on a faster schedule after the summer, provided it obtains the necessary additional information.

The Netherlands was the first European country to grant provisional approval for Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in April, a step toward a potential EU-wide rollout. Estonia and Belgium have since permitted the technology, though some regulators remain cautious.

Traficom is currently assessing key areas, including how quickly drivers can retake control, the system's performance in low-visibility overtaking on Finnish roads, and its speed offset feature. Neighboring Sweden and Norway have previously raised concerns about this feature.

Despite these assessments, Traficom's overall view of the system is positive. Around 6,500 cars in Finland, approximately 0.24% of the country's 2.7 million passenger vehicles, are equipped with the system. The agency anticipates that genuine self-driving vehicles could appear on Finnish roads as early as 2028.

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An EU-wide solution can be expected in October 2026. However, Traficom is prepared to proceed on a faster schedule after the summer if the necessary additional information has been obtained on the key areas of assessment.