Tesla and Dutch RDW exploited regulatory loophole to approve Autopilot in 2015
Tesla and the Dutch vehicle authority RDW reportedly obtained approval for Autopilot in Europe in 2015 by exploiting a regulatory loophole through creative interpretation of the rules. Swedish regulators and an RDW whistleblower later identified this practice, which violated the regulations in effect at the time. Autopilot has since been linked to hundreds of accidents in which the system may have played a role.
What happened
Tesla's Autopilot system was approved for use in Europe in 2015 through exploitation of a regulatory loophole, with the involvement of the Dutch approval authority RDW.
The Dutch transport authority and Tesla together found a way to circumvent the regulations by applying a creative interpretation of the rules, according to the Swedish transport authority.
A whistleblower within the RDW alerted other countries to this creative interpretation of regulations, indicating internal disagreement within the Dutch authority over the approval.
Reported impact
Sweden criticised the approval decision, stating it should never have been permitted under the regulations that were in effect at the time.
Concerns existed that the Autopilot name could lead drivers to believe the vehicle could drive itself substantially, when it was intended only as a driver assistance system.
Over recent years, Autopilot has been linked to hundreds of accidents involving Tesla vehicles where the system may have played a role.
Governance controls
An RDW employee disagreed with the regulatory interpretation used to approve Autopilot and reported this as an issue internally.
Disagreement within the Dienst Wegverkeer existed regarding the approval of the Autopilot system.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.