A camera that monitors your attention, an autonomous braking system that detects pedestrians and cyclists, intelligent speed assistance, and a ‘black box’ that records everything before an accident. New European rules come into force on July 7, 2026, and apply to all new cars and light commercial vehicles. Here’s what you need to know.

(Staff: Europe / Automobiles & Safety)

Starting July 7, 2026, all new passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles sold in the European Union must be equipped with a series of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), according to the European GSR2 regulation (General Safety Regulation). This is the final phase of a regulation adopted in 2019, which has been gradually implemented since 2022.

Which systems become mandatory?

1. Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)

The ISA system uses a combination of cameras and GPS data to read traffic signs and identify the speed limit in real time. If the driver exceeds the legal speed, the vehicle emits an audible or visual warning. In some cases, the accelerator pedal can provide slight resistance. Although there is discussion about future systems that could automatically limit speed, ISA currently remains a warning system.

2. Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW)

This is one of the most debated systems. An infrared camera, usually placed on the steering column or near the rearview mirror, continuously monitors the driver’s gaze direction. If the driver looks away towards the phone, the centre console or elsewhere for more than 3.5 seconds (above 50 km/h) or 6 seconds (between 20 and 50 km/h), the system triggers a visual, audible or vibrating alert. The regulation explicitly prohibits facial recognition or the storage of biometric data.

3. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

The AEB system, which detects collision risk and brakes automatically, now becomes mandatory for the detection of pedestrians and cyclists as well (AEB VRU – Vulnerable Road Users). This expansion of detection capability aims to reduce accidents involving vulnerable road users.

4. Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

During sudden braking, at speeds above 50 km/h, the vehicle’s brake lights will flash automatically to alert drivers behind.

5. Emergency Lane Keeping System (ELKS)

The system automatically corrects the trajectory if the vehicle leaves its lane without signalling, acting as a ‘discreet co-pilot’ to compensate for lapses in attention or fatigue.

6. Event Data Recorder (EDR)

Similar to a ‘black box’ in aircraft, this system records data from a few seconds before and after an accident. This information can be essential for accident investigations.

Impact on drivers

The new systems are designed to increase road safety, but they are not without controversy. Some drivers perceive systems like ADDW as intrusive or paternalistic. Although most of these assistants can be deactivated, European regulations require them to be active by default each time the vehicle is started.

Conclusion

The date of July 7, 2026, marks a new era in automotive safety in Europe. New vehicles will be more ‘aware’ of their surroundings and the driver’s state, with the potential to save thousands of lives. It remains to be seen how these technologies will be received by drivers and whether they will achieve their primary goal: reducing the number of road accidents