Europe Mandates In-Car Driver Monitoring Cameras Starting 2026
The European Union's General Safety Regulation will require all new cars and vans registered from July 7, 2026, to include advanced driver distraction warning (ADDW) systems using infrared cameras mounted on the steering column to monitor drivers' heads and eyes for signs of drowsiness or distraction. The regulation states these systems should not continuously record or retain data beyond what is necessary, and must not identify the driver. However, critics warn the hardware could be repurposed for broader surveillance, including insurance data collection, as modern cars already transmit driving data. A 2024 UK survey found 54% of drivers had deactivated at least one ADAS feature, and the new mandate allows disabling only per driving session. The article, from Reason.com, frames the regulation as government overreach and a threat to privacy and liberty.
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