UK Rejects Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Due to Safety Risks

UK bans key Tesla Full Self-Driving features citing safety concerns. Officials demand more proof as Tesla faces criticism over autonomous driving risks.

Britain is effectively shutting the door on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, citing serious safety concerns and the potential impact on driver behavior. Documents obtained by The Telegraph reveal that the Department for Transport (DfT) has rejected key aspects of Tesla’s autonomous features, insisting on strict driver control.

Initially, Tesla aimed for broad approval, planning for its vehicles to change lanes, navigate intersections, and perform turns without driver intervention. However, UK officials deemed such moves too risky, warning that system-initiated maneuvers carry “a degree of unknown” despite potential benefits in reducing accidents.

Following revisions, Tesla is now allowed to perform only basic lane changes, strictly on highways and only when the driver’s hands are on the wheel. The debate has also drawn attention from other European nations. In January 2025, officials from Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK jointly requested further evidence of the system’s safety.

The issue is especially sensitive given the expectations of Tesla customers. In the UK, the FSD package costs £6,800, while US buyers pay $8,000. Thousands have already invested in a feature that remains largely undelivered.

Compounding the controversy, data from the NHTSA shows that over half of reported accidents involving driver assistance systems in the US involved Tesla vehicles. This fuels the debate over the real-world safety of Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD systems.

Still, authorities acknowledge the potential benefits of advanced driving technologies. With 88% of all road accidents in the UK attributed to human error, the DfT sees promise in systems like FSD. Yet, Tesla must first prove its technology can truly outperform human drivers before it earns the trust needed for full deployment.

Source: autoblog.com