New mandatory safety features for EU vehicles starting July 2026

Starting July 7, 2026, the European Union will mandate two major safety upgrades for all newly registered vehicles under the GSR2 regulation framework. The first requirement is the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), which alerts trailing drivers during sudden braking. The ESS activates automatically at speeds above 50 km/h when deceleration exceeds 6 m/s². The second major change, phase GSR2C, mandates stricter driver monitoring systems to combat distraction and fatigue. Manufacturers are expected to implement interior cameras, often near the A-pillar, to track driver eye movement and alertness. These regulations aim to reduce rear-end collisions and accidents caused by smartphone use or drowsiness. While these technologies are already present in some vehicles, the 2026 mandate ensures standardized application across all new models sold in the EU. The measures build upon existing GSR2 requirements that have been in effect since 2024.