France begins independent testing of Tesla Full Self-Driving

France has initiated independent testing of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to determine its suitability for local traffic environments. The French authorities have been provided with two vehicles to conduct trials in real-world traffic and urban settings, rather than relying solely on manufacturer data or results from other nations.

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot previously expressed concerns regarding the system’s ability to respect speed limits and monitor driver attention. The results of these tests are expected by mid-to-late September. This timeline is critical as the EU Technical Committee for Motor Vehicles is scheduled to meet on October 6, where a vote regarding the wider use of the system may take place.

While countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, and Lithuania have granted temporary approvals, France’s decision carries significant political and market weight. Tesla emphasizes that despite the name, FSD (Supervised) is not a fully autonomous system and requires constant driver supervision to manage complex situations, such as narrow roads or construction zones.