EU driver‑monitoring camera rule hits Latvian car buyers

From 7 July, European Union legislation requires every new car and micro‑bus sold in the bloc to be fitted with a driver‑monitoring camera. The system analyses the driver’s head position, facial expression and gaze direction and issues visual, acoustic or haptic warnings if attention is lost for more than 3.5 seconds. The European Commission says the measure could prevent 10‑30 % of road crashes, potentially saving more than 25 000 lives and avoiding serious injury to 140 000 people by 2038.

In Latvia, the rule applies to all new‑register vehicle purchases. Industry experts project that the added technology will raise car prices by €400‑€800, while the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) forecasts an average increase of about €2 000 per vehicle. Car makers assure that the cameras will not perform facial recognition or transmit personal data, but privacy advocates warn of possible misuse, citing a recent U.S. scandal where driving‑style data were shared with insurers.

The regulation has sparked debate between safety proponents, who argue the technology will significantly reduce accidents, and critics who fear it may increase driver stress and infringe on personal freedoms.