Dutch regulator rejects claims Tesla misled regulators on self-driving safety data

The Dutch vehicle regulator RDW has said that Tesla did not provide misleading data regarding its self-driving vehicles on public roads. The statement supports remarks made earlier this week by Infrastructure Minister Vincent Karremans.

Drivers using Tesla vehicles in the Netherlands have been permitted since April, after approval from the RDW, to travel without keeping their hands on the wheel, provided they remain fully responsible and attentive.

This follows a Reuters report alleging that the company had overstated safety data in its application for approval of self-driving functions in the country. The RDW said it relied in part on data supplied by Tesla, but stressed that it also conducted independent testing to ensure an objective assessment.

The RDW reports that about 40,000 Tesla cars with driver-assistance systems are now in use in the Netherlands. According to the regulator, these vehicles have collectively covered roughly 24 million kilometres on Dutch roads without any significant incidents.

The Netherlands has become the first country in Europe to roll out the self-driving system. In a possible next step, the technology could be extended to all EU member states, with the RDW expected to submit an application to the European Commission. However, it remains uncertain whether that request will ultimately go ahead.

According to the RDW, Tesla is not the first manufacturer in Europe to offer hands-free driver assistance. Systems from BMW already allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel on highways when combined with automated lane-changing, while Ford BlueCruise also permits hands-free driving on motorways. The RDW added that Tesla’s system is considered at least as safe as comparable technologies currently in use.