All new passenger cars and vans in the EU mandated to include advanced safety features from 7th July, 2026
The European General Safety Regulations (GSR2) mandate that safety-centric technologies be included in vehicles and apply to all new cars sold in the EU. It also lays a framework for the introduction of autonomous vehicles on EU roads. The regulation was introduced in 2019, was first implemented in 2022, the second phase of the regulation began in July 2024, and this month the third phase of this regulation has started.
With updates in the third phase, all new passenger cars and vans in the EU must include advanced safety features from 7th July, 2026.
Smarter cars mean safer roads.
From 7 July 2026, all new passenger cars and vans across the EU will require these built-in features ↓
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) July 5, 2026
The features include:
- Advanced emergency brake detecting pedestrians and cyclists
- Advanced driver distraction warning system
- Better forward vision
- New tests for worn tyres
- Expanded safety glass area designed to protect pedestrians during accidents
These measures in the regulation are aimed at reducing road deaths and serious injuries. With GSR2, the EU Commission aims to save over 25,000 lives and prevent 140,000 injuries by 2038.
The mandate introduces specific monitoring technologies that must be integrated into every new European vehicle to monitor driver fatigue and distraction.
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