Europe Requires In-Car Cameras to Monitor Drivers for Distraction
Starting July 7, 2026, the European Union's General Safety Regulation will require all new cars and vans to include advanced driver distraction warning (ADDW) systems using infrared cameras mounted on or near the steering column. These cameras monitor drivers' heads and eyes for signs of drowsiness or inattention and sound alerts when problems are detected. The regulation claims systems will not continuously record or retain data beyond what is necessary, and will not identify individual drivers. However, critics warn the hardware could easily be repurposed for continuous recording via software changes, especially since modern cars already transmit driving data to manufacturers and insurers. A 2024 UK survey found 54% of drivers had deactivated at least one ADAS feature. Drivers can only disable ADDW per driving session, as the system resets each time the car restarts. The article compares this to past resistance to seat belt interlocks and data-sharing systems.
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