On April 24, 2025, Tesla achieved a historic milestone in its quest for autonomous driving, securing a two-year exemption from Norway’s Statens vegvesen (Norwegian Road Authority) to operate its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in supervised mode on public roads. This decision marks a significant step for Tesla as it accelerates its global rollout of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), outpacing traditional regulatory timelines.

Norway Pioneers Tesla’s Supervised FSD Testing

The exemption, detailed in Statens vegvesen’s document dated March 18, 2025, allows Tesla to modify software on EU type-approved vehicles, enabling FSD (Supervised) capabilities. Specifically, the approval permits “modified steering and speed control” under the oversight of Tesla-trained drivers. The document emphasizes that the system does not meet the stringent safety requirements of UN Regulation No. 79 but grants Tesla the ability to test FSD for up to two years or until a risk assessment is conducted by the Norwegian Traffic Agency.

This move positions Norway as a trailblazer in Tesla’s multi-country approval strategy. According to EV expert Kees Roelandschap, “Together, Norway and the Netherlands form the foundation of Tesla’s multi-country approval strategy,” with Tesla leveraging national approvals to gather real-world safety data. This data collection is crucial for Tesla’s broader goal: a bid for EU-wide approval through the European Commission, expected to vote in May 2025.

Technical Scope and Operational Implications

The exemption stipulates that FSD (Supervised) will be activated via software version SW v13, affecting steering functions on Tesla vehicles. Statens vegvesen’s document notes that the system “has functions that do not meet the safety requirements in UN Reg. 79,” highlighting the experimental nature of the deployment. Tesla-trained drivers will oversee operations, ensuring safety while the system collects data across Norway’s diverse road network, spanning approximately 58,409 miles of public roads.

For EV owners, this development signals a future where autonomous driving could redefine daily commutes. Imagine a morning drive through Oslo’s fjord-lined roads, with your Tesla navigating tight turns and pedestrian-heavy zones while you sip your coffee—still vigilant, but with unprecedented ease. However, the supervised nature of the rollout underscores the need for human oversight, as the system remains in a testing phase.

Regulatory Strategy and Industry Trends

Tesla’s approach bypasses the slower United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) process, which typically governs international vehicle regulations. Roelandschap highlights Tesla’s urgency: “Instead of lobbying for permission, Tesla is running supervised programs under regulator control. It collects real data. Builds trust. Files the proof.” By securing national exemptions, Tesla aims to leapfrog the UNECE timeline, potentially rolling out FSD (Supervised) across Europe if the European Commission approves in May.

This strategy reflects a broader trend in the EV industry, where manufacturers increasingly seek real-world testing to validate autonomous systems. Competitors like Waymo and Cruise have similarly pursued supervised testing in the U.S., but Tesla’s aggressive push into Europe—starting with Norway—sets a new benchmark. The exemption also includes a financial penalty for non-compliance: a fine of approximately $1,425 (NOK 15,000) if Tesla fails to meet regulatory expectations.

EVXL’s Take: A Quiet Revolution on Wheels

Tesla’s FSD exemption in Norway isn’t just a regulatory win—it’s a cultural shift. From the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam to the snowy highways of Oslo, Tesla is quietly proving that autonomous driving isn’t a distant dream but a present reality, albeit with a watchful human eye. EVXL sees this as a masterstroke of pragmatism: Tesla isn’t waiting for the perfect regulatory moment; it’s creating it, mile by mile. For EV enthusiasts, this is a call to embrace the future—cautiously optimistic, yet undeniably thrilled. As Roelandschap aptly notes, “FSD Supervised isn’t waiting for European regulatory bodies to catch up. It’s already driving.” And with national regulators like Norway on board, the road ahead looks electrifyingly autonomous.

Photos courtesy of Tesla.