New passenger and commercial vehicles registered in the European Union must now include technology that can detect when a driver looks away from the road for too long.
The requirement took effect July 7, 2026 for all regular-production cars, vans, trucks and buses.
Despite some confusion in press accounts, the new regulation does not require facial recognition or a driver-facing camera. Manufacturers may choose the technology, but the system must detect prolonged visual distraction and warn the driver.
At speeds between 20 km/h and 49 km/h, the warning must activate after no more than 6 seconds. At 50 km/h or more, the limit falls to 3.5 seconds. The warning must include a visual signal and either an audible or physical alert.
The regulation also restricts the use of driver information. Systems cannot use biometric data to identify the driver. Information needed to operate the system must remain within the vehicle and be deleted after processing.
The requirement is part of the EU’s General Safety Regulation. Other measures include intelligent speed assistance, reversing detection, driver-drowsiness warnings, automated emergency braking and emergency lane-keeping systems.
“With the general safety rules now applying to all new motor vehicles, we will better protect passengers, pedestrians and cyclists across Europe,” said Thierry Breton, who was European commissioner for the internal market during the testing phase.
The rules are expected to increase the number of vehicles equipped with driver-facing cameras, infrared sensors and related control modules.
These components may be mounted on the steering column, instrument panel, windshield or rear-view mirror. Shops repairing affected vehicles will need to identify the system during blueprinting and consult current OEM procedures before removing or replacing nearby cameras, brackets, sensors or trim.
The rules apply to vehicles registered in the EU.
