New safety systems in cars, EU rules are becoming stricter

The European Union is significantly tightening safety requirements for vehicles. The new provisions are set out in the so-called GSR2 Regulation, which defines safety rules for motor vehicles and trailers. The regulation aims to reduce the number of road accidents and to increase the protection of drivers, passengers, and other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.

The regulation began to be effective on 6 July 2022, but new requirements are being introduced in several stages. The next major deadline is 7 July 2026, when the provisions will apply to all new vehicles registered in the European Union on or after that date, regardless of when the vehicle was manufactured.

The regulation affects transport broadly; in addition to passenger cars, it also applies to buses, light and heavy trucks, and trailers. One of the most important changes is that a number of driver-assistance systems will become mandatory in new cars. Manufacturers must equip their vehicles with technologies that help prevent accidents or reduce their severity. One example is the intelligent speed assistance system, which warns the driver when speed limits are exceeded based on traffic signs and GPS data. The installation of an alcohol interlock system will also be mandatory, which prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects that the driver is intoxicated. The new rules also include systems that detect driver fatigue and distraction, emergency brake signals that warn following traffic during heavy braking, and reversing assistance systems. Vehicles must also be equipped with an event data recorder, which records important operational data in the event of an accident.

For passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, additional safety technologies will be required. These include an automatic emergency braking system capable of detecting vehicles ahead as well as pedestrians or cyclists, and an emergency lane-keeping system designed to prevent unintentional lane departure. The regulation also affects the design of passenger cars; the front structure must be designed to provide better protection for pedestrians in the event of a collision.

Separate additional requirements apply to trucks and buses. For these vehicles, reducing blind spots and improving awareness of the vehicle’s surroundings are key priorities. The new systems must be able to detect pedestrians or cyclists near the vehicle and warn the driver of potential collision risks. In addition, vehicle design will need to improve the driver’s direct field of vision.

The regulation also addresses automated and partially self-driving vehicles. These require specific safety solutions, such as continuous monitoring of the vehicle’s condition and environment, verification of driver readiness, and measures to ensure the safe operation of automated driving functions.

While the EU regulation will fundamentally make new cars safer, it will also increase manufacturing costs. The new requirements are particularly challenging for smaller and cheaper models, where every additional technological component can significantly affect the final price. Manufacturers must develop numerous new safety systems and integrate them as standard equipment, which requires substantial engineering and development investment. At the same time, the stricter requirements provide a strong incentive for innovation in the automotive industry. The new rules will accelerate the spread of advanced driver-assistance and accident-prevention technologies, which in the long term may contribute to improvements in vehicle safety and road safety overall.