Every new EU car now needs a camera that watches the driver

Starting July 7, 2026, all new cars and vans in the EU must include advanced safety features such as pedestrian- and cyclist-detecting emergency braking and a driver distraction warning system using a cabin-facing camera. These measures are part of the EU's phased General Safety Regulation aimed at reducing road deaths to near zero by 2050, though the in-cabin camera has raised privacy concerns. The regulation builds on earlier requirements like intelligent speed assistance introduced in 2024.