Sweden Challenges Tesla FSD Approval Over Speed Limit Concerns

A growing dispute over automated driving technology is shaping discussions within the European Union, as Swedish transport authorities push back against the wider rollout of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system. The debate centres on whether the software should be permitted on EU roads while retaining functionality that allows vehicles to exceed posted speed limits.

According to a regulatory letter dated April 30, Sweden’s Transport Administration has urged European authorities to reject approval of the system unless Tesla removes the feature that enables drivers to set the vehicle above legal speed limits. The issue is expected to remain a key topic when the EU’s Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles meets again on June 30 before a future vote on broader deployment across the bloc.

Swedish Authorities Raise Safety Concerns

In its communication to the EU committee, the Swedish Transport Administration argued that permitting automated systems to routinely exceed legal speed limits could weaken both road safety objectives and the legal framework governing vehicle automation.

The authority stated that the feature should be removed before any approval is granted. Furthermore, it recommended that committee members vote against the proposed introduction if the functionality remains unchanged.

A spokesperson for the administration confirmed that the authority’s position has not changed since the letter was sent. The spokesperson also indicated that Sweden’s representative is expected to support approval only if the speeding-related functionality is withdrawn.

Discussions Continue Within EU Institutions

The Swedish Transport Agency, which represents the country within the committee, said discussions remain ongoing and that it is continuing to assess the matter before establishing a final national position.

Internal documents show that concerns have also been raised directly with Tesla and the Dutch regulator RDW. The discussions included a meeting held on June 4. RDW previously approved the use of the system and continues to support a wider European rollout.

Tesla has already obtained approval for the technology in several European countries. The supervised system allows vehicles to steer themselves on urban roads and motorways while requiring continuous driver oversight.

Speed Control Features Under Scrutiny

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system relies on cameras and mapping data to identify speed limits. While the United States version includes multiple driving profiles, European users do not have access to those settings.

Instead, the software offers a feature known as “Contextual Max Speed”, which adapts to surrounding traffic conditions. It also includes a “Speed Offset” function that allows drivers to set the vehicle above the posted speed limit.

Tesla’s user guidance states that drivers must not rely solely on the system for speed-related decisions and remain responsible for operating the vehicle safely according to road and traffic conditions.

Mixed Views Across Europe

Sweden is not alone in expressing reservations. Finland and Norway have also raised concerns regarding the system’s speed-related capabilities.

However, several countries, including Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark and Belgium, have recently approved the technology following the Netherlands. Authorities in those countries have generally emphasised that drivers remain fully responsible when using the supervised system.

An Estonian transport official acknowledged concerns about speeding but noted that approval was granted because responsibility ultimately remains with the driver. Estonia has not yet determined how it will vote on any EU-wide proposal.

Meanwhile, Denmark’s road authority reiterated that drivers must comply with speed limits at all times when using the system.

For the proposal to pass, it must secure support from at least 15 of the EU’s 27 member states representing a minimum of 65% of the bloc’s population. If approval is not achieved, the Dutch provisional authorisation would expire after six months, and related national approvals based on that decision would also be withdrawn.

With inputs from Reuters