Romania Rejects Recognition of Dutch Tesla FSD Provisional Approval

14 June 2026, 14:00 UTC By T J Romania 7 min read

The Romanian Auto Register (RAR) has formally stated that it does not recognise the provisional type approval for Tesla FSD Supervised granted by the Dutch authority RDW. In a detailed response to an enquiry, RAR Technical Director Cristian Bucur outlined the legal and regulatory reasons why vehicles equipped with the system cannot be used on public roads in Romania.

Provisional Approval Limited to the Netherlands

The Dutch RDW granted a provisional EU type approval for Tesla FSD Supervised in April 2026 under Article 39 of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, which covers “Derogations for new technologies or concepts.” However, this approval is explicitly valid only on Dutch territory.

According to RAR, a full EU-wide type approval requires authorisation from the European Commission. That process is currently underway, but until it is completed, other Member States are under no obligation to recognise the Dutch decision.

Romania’s Position: Road Code Blocks Use

RAR has received and is reviewing the complete approval dossier from the RDW. Despite this review, the authority has made clear that recognition of the provisional approval is not automatic.

The key barrier is Romania’s national road traffic legislation. The Romanian Road Code (Government Emergency Ordinance No. 195/2002) makes it illegal to release the steering wheel while driving:

“Art. 99 (1) The following acts committed by natural persons constitute contraventions and are sanctioned with a fine in the 1st class of sanctions: 13. releasing the steering wheel, handlebars, or control lever of the vehicle while driving.”

RAR states that “such a vehicle cannot be used on public roads in Romania.” Installing FSD Supervised is viewed as a structural modification that is not legal while the approval remains unrecognised.

Legislative Inconsistency Flagged

RAR has already raised the issue with Romania's competent authorities, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Discussions have taken place at the Interministerial Council for Road Safety.

The authority notes a potential conflict between harmonised EU legislation on vehicle type approval and national legislation on public road traffic. However, any legislative changes to allow FSD Supervised would require a parliamentary proposal or a Government initiative from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Current Status for Romanian Tesla Owners

FSD Supervised is not recognised in Romania.
Vehicles with the system cannot legally be used on public roads.
Installing the system counts as an illegal structural modification under current rules.
RAR is analysing the RDW dossier and monitoring the EU Commission process.

What This Means Going Forward

Romanian Tesla owners with Hardware 4 vehicles will not be able to activate or use FSD Supervised without risking fines or legal issues until national recognition is granted or the Road Code is updated.

While the full EU authorisation process continues, Romania’s current stance remains firm: the provisional Dutch approval does not authorise use of the system on Romanian public roads.

Owners are advised to monitor official communications from RAR and Tesla for any future updates once the European Commission decision is known or Romanian legislation evolves.

FAQ

Has Romania recognised the Dutch RDW approval for Tesla FSD Supervised?

No. According to a letter from RAR Technical Director Cristian Bucur, the provisional EU type approval granted by the Netherlands (RDW) is valid only on Dutch territory. Romania has not granted recognition, and the Dutch approval is not automatically valid in other EU Member States.

Why can’t Tesla owners use FSD Supervised in Romania?

The Romanian Road Code (Government Emergency Ordinance No. 195/2002) prohibits releasing the steering wheel, handlebars, or control lever while driving. Article 99 lists this as a contravention punishable by a fine in the 1st class of sanctions. Vehicles equipped with FSD Supervised cannot be used on public roads under current law.

Can I install or activate FSD on my Tesla in Romania?

Installing the Tesla FSD Supervised system is considered a structural modification of the vehicle. According to RAR, as long as the provisional approval is not recognised in Romania, such modifications are not legal under national legislation harmonised with EU rules.

Is there any path forward for FSD in Romania?

RAR has received the full RDW approval dossier and is analysing it. The European Commission authorisation process for full EU-wide validity is underway. Romania may recognise the approval later through national legislation, but any changes to the Road Code would require action by the Romanian Parliament or Government.