EU new car safety rules take effect on 7 July 2026

From 7 July 2026 the European Union’s General Safety Regulation (GSR II) will require all newly registered passenger cars and light‑commercial vehicles to be equipped with a set of advanced safety systems. Mandatory features include a driver‑monitoring camera that alerts the driver to fatigue or distraction, an advanced emergency‑braking system that can detect pedestrians and cyclists, and an Emergency Stop Signal (flashing rear lights) that activates during hard braking above 50 km/h. The rules apply only to vehicles first registered after the date; existing vehicles are not required to be retrofitted.

The measures aim to lower road fatalities and protect vulnerable road users. Industry observers note privacy concerns about in‑cab cameras, while the Romanian Automobile Manufacturers’ Association warned that the additional technology will raise vehicle prices. The regulation covers the whole EU, affecting manufacturers, drivers and insurers across member states such as Italy, Poland, Romania, Croatia, France and Portugal.

Compliance will be monitored by national authorities, and penalties may be imposed for non‑conforming vehicles sold after the deadline.