New EU regulations require all cars to be equipped with a driver-monitoring camera.

      From 7 July 2026, the second phase of the EU’s General Safety Regulation will require all newly manufactured cars and vans to include advanced driver assistance systems, such as emergency braking that detects pedestrians and cyclists, as well as a camera-based driver distraction warning system. This phase follows the initial phase introduced in 2024, which mandated intelligent speed assistance, and aligns with the EU's Vision Zero aim to achieve nearly zero road fatalities by 2050. The cabin-facing camera is the most debated feature, receiving approval from safety experts but facing concerns from privacy advocates.

      A new set of mandatory safety technologies was implemented for cars and vans throughout the EU as of 7 July. The European Commission confirmed that every newly produced passenger vehicle and van must now be equipped with advanced driver aids. Key enhancements include an emergency brake system that recognizes pedestrians and cyclists, along with a driver distraction warning system. The regulations also stipulate improvements in forward visibility, updated testing for worn tires, and an expanded area of safety glass to safeguard pedestrians.

      This marks the second phase of the General Safety Regulation, established in 2019, which has progressively integrated what were once premium features into standard equipment. The first phase, mandatory since 2024, has already introduced systems like intelligent speed assistance. The regulations were implemented in stages due to the technical complexities of the new features, allowing car manufacturers additional time to develop reliable systems for pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as interior monitoring.

      The overarching aim aligns with the EU’s Vision Zero, striving to minimize road fatalities to nearly zero by 2050. The focus is on addressing driver distraction and protecting vulnerable road users while promoting the rapid integration of driver-assistance technologies across vehicle fleets.

      The driver distraction warning system, which uses a camera directed at the driver’s face, is the most controversial aspect. It monitors the driver’s gaze and head position, issuing alerts if their attention strays from the road. Safety researchers argue this feature is valuable, as inattention is a significant factor in accidents, and immediate feedback can help prevent incidents. However, privacy advocates express concerns about constantly active cabin cameras, even if intended for real-time use rather than continuous recording.

      This concern extends beyond distraction alerts. Europe has been at the forefront of mandating in-vehicle safety technology, and its initiatives for speed limiters have surpassed similar efforts elsewhere, although the EU approach is to encourage compliance rather than enforce it strictly.

      The directive helps delineate the distinction between driver assistance and full automation, as these systems support the human driver in maintaining control rather than replacing them. However, the same regulation also lays the legal foundation for automated driving in Europe, currently being tested as the Netherlands became the first EU nation to approve Tesla's supervised Full Self-Driving feature, despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

      Underlying this shift is an evolution in vehicle design, focusing on software-defined vehicles equipped with sensors and computing capabilities. Mandating advanced safety technology advances the entire industry further along this trajectory. For consumers, the outcome is straightforward, albeit at an increased cost: new vehicles will be safer and more attentive, but also somewhat more expensive to manufacture. Ultimately, whether the driver-facing camera is perceived as a safeguard or an invasion of privacy may depend on the individual driver.