EU mandates advanced car safety features from July 2026

The European Union is set to implement stricter vehicle safety standards on July 7, 2026, as part of the General Safety Regulation II (GSR II) package. This next phase of regulations will mandate that all new vehicles registered after this date be equipped with advanced safety technologies. While some measures became mandatory in July 2024 for new vehicle types, the 2026 deadline extends these requirements to all new cars and light commercial vehicles.

The most significant change involves the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. Previously focused on detecting vehicles ahead, the updated AEB will also be required to identify and react to pedestrians and cyclists. This enhancement aims to prevent accidents caused by driver inattention or poor visibility, especially in urban environments. The system will alert drivers to potential collisions and, if necessary, automatically apply the brakes to reduce impact speed.

Additionally, vehicles will need to feature an emergency lane-keeping assist system. This goes beyond simple warnings, actively correcting the vehicle's course if it unintentionally drifts out of its lane or approaches the road's edge. While drivers retain ultimate control, the system intervenes to prevent accidents. Special provisions are made for older vehicles with hydraulic power steering, allowing for alternative technical requirements due to integration challenges.