EU mandates driver‑monitoring cameras and black‑box recorders in new cars from July

From 1 July, the European Union’s GSR II regulation requires every newly registered passenger car and truck sold in the bloc to be equipped with advanced driver‑monitoring systems. These include infrared cameras that track the driver’s eyes and head position and an "Advanced Driver Distraction Warning" (ADDW) that issues audible and visual alerts when attention is lost for more than about six seconds. Vehicles must also carry a "black‑box" data recorder that continuously logs speed, braking force, steering angle and other telemetry, locking the final seconds before a crash for use by police and insurers.

The rule also makes automatic emergency‑braking signals, hazard‑light activation on sudden deceleration, and other assistance functions mandatory. The EU estimates the measures could cut road‑traffic fatalities by 10‑30 %. While the safety benefits are highlighted, the new equipment raises purchase and servicing costs because of the sensors, cameras and calibration requirements.

The rollout applies across all EU member states, affecting manufacturers, dealers and drivers throughout the region.