France Opposes Tesla Self-Driving Software

France has raised objections to the approval of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assistance software in its current form for use on European Union roads, citing safety concerns.

France is the first EU government to publicly reject a Dutch-led initiative aimed at approving the technology across the bloc.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot raised particular concerns about driver inattention and speeding, saying the safety trade-offs were not yet sufficient to justify authorization in its current form.

In April 2026, the Dutch road authority RDW provisionally approved FSD for use on roads in the Netherlands. Belgium, Denmark, Estonia and Lithuania later did the same ahead of a possible EU-wide vote this fall.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded on the social media platform X, saying delaying FSD approval in France would cost lives.

Tabarot said France was continuing technical discussions with the Netherlands and other EU countries despite its reservations.

(Reuters, Max)