Some commentators compare the new requirements to features already seen in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system, sparking debate over whether similar technologies should be mandated EU-wide.

The European Union will implement a new car safety mandate starting July 2026, requiring all new passenger cars and vans sold in the EU to include five built-in features aimed at reducing accidents and protecting pedestrians.

The rules apply only to new vehicles; existing cars aren’t required to be retrofitted, but any new vehicle must include the mandatory safety features or it cannot be registered or driven in the EU.

This final phase expands the requirements from certain new vehicle types to all newly registered cars from older model series as part of ongoing EU safety improvements.

One of the most controversial elements is a driver distraction warning system that uses an infrared camera to monitor the driver’s face for signs of distraction or impairment and could trigger ignition interlock if alcohol impairment is detected.

Insurance analyses show that existing driver-assistance features, especially autonomous braking, have reduced accidents, with stronger effects for unprotected road users when these features are included in new vehicles.

EU officials say the aim is to lower fatalities by addressing alcohol-related, speed-related, and distracted driving, which account for a significant share of road deaths, though some critics argue the benefits should be voluntary.

Mandatory features include advanced emergency braking, enhanced driver distraction warnings, improved forward visibility, testing for worn tyres, and expanded safety glass areas to better detect and protect pedestrians and cyclists.

The regulation seeks to reduce fatalities and serious injuries among vulnerable road users by enabling more automatic recognition and braking in pedestrian and cyclist situations.

Tesla’s FSD debate intensifies as EU safety features become mandatory; FSD is approved in a handful of EU countries but faces uncertainty for full EU-wide adoption amid concerns on speed limit handling, icy-road performance, and branding versus capabilities.

Public reaction includes skepticism about cost, privacy, and surveillance, with critics contrasting the new rules with Tesla FSD, while supporters say current capabilities may meet or exceed the requirements.

An evaluation of the regulation’s effectiveness and user convenience is mandated for July 2027 and every five years thereafter, including real-world assessments of intelligent speed assistance systems.