New EU regulations require the installation of a driver-monitoring camera in each vehicle.

      **TL;DR** Starting from July 7, 2026, the second phase of the EU’s General Safety Regulation mandates advanced driver aids in all newly manufactured cars and vans. These features include emergency braking that detects pedestrians and cyclists and a camera-based system for warning about driver distraction. This builds upon the first phase introduced in 2024, which included intelligent speed assistance, and aligns with the EU's Vision Zero initiative aimed at nearly eliminating road deaths by 2050. The cabin-facing camera is particularly controversial, receiving support from safety researchers while raising concerns for privacy advocates.

      A new set of required safety technologies was implemented for cars and vans in the EU on July 7. The European Commission has confirmed that all newly manufactured passenger cars and vans must now be equipped with advanced driver aids.

      Key features include an advanced emergency braking system capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists, as well as a driver distraction warning system. Additional regulations enhance forward visibility, introduce new tests for tire wear, and expand the safety glass area to offer better protection for pedestrians.

      This represents the second phase of the General Safety Regulation, a law from 2019 that has progressively made previously premium features standard. The first phase, which has been in effect since 2024, already introduced systems like intelligent speed assistance.

      The implementation of these rules has been gradual since newer features pose significant technical challenges. Automakers were allowed more time to ensure reliable detection of pedestrians and cyclists, along with cabin monitoring capabilities.

      The overarching aim is the EU’s Vision Zero, a goal to reduce road fatalities to as close to zero as possible by 2050. Specifically targeting distraction and vulnerable road users, the EU intends to accelerate the integration of driver-assistance technology across the market.

      **The Cabin Camera**

      The driver distraction warning system is the most debated aspect, utilizing a camera focused on the driver’s face. It monitors gaze and head movement and notifies the driver if their attention strays from the road for an extended period.

      Safety researchers recognize its importance, as distraction is a significant factor in traffic accidents, and timely reminders can help avert them. However, privacy advocates are concerned about the implications of always-active cabin cameras, even when designed for real-time usage without recording.

      This concern is not exclusive to distraction warnings. Europe's leadership in mandating in-car safety technologies and its aggressive push for speed limiters has outstripped initiatives elsewhere, although the EU's approach encourages rather than compels drivers to slow down.

      **From Driver Aids to Automated Driving**

      The mandate creates a blending of traditional roles, highlighting the distinction between driver assistance and full automation. These systems are designed to support a human driver who remains in control, rather than replacing them.

      However, the same regulation also establishes the legal basis for automated driving in Europe. This framework is currently being evaluated as the Netherlands became the first EU nation to approve Tesla’s supervised Full Self-Driving feature, amidst ongoing regulatory oversight.

      At its core, there is a shift toward constructing cars as software-defined vehicles laden with sensors and computing capabilities. Imposing advanced safety technologies propels the entire industry further in this direction.

      For consumers, the outcome is straightforward—while new vehicles become safer and more attentive, they also tend to have increased manufacturing costs. Whether the driver-facing camera is seen as a safeguard or an invasion of privacy may depend on who is driving.