Overview
- Next‑Generation eCall is mandatory for newly developed vehicle types from January 1, 2026, with first registrations without the system barred from January 1, 2027, and no retrofit required for existing cars.
- From July 7, 2026, new passenger cars and light vans must include added safety tech such as pedestrian‑ and cyclist‑detecting automatic emergency braking, an expanded head‑impact protection area, Advanced Driver Distraction Warning, and emergency lane keeping that also works with hydraulic steering.
- The package also requires intelligent speed assistance, an interface for alcohol interlock devices, event data recorders, and emergency brake lights on newly approved models.
- Emissions rules tighten with the second stage of Euro 6e applying in January 2026 and Euro 7 starting November 29, 2026 for newly developed models, alongside the first EU durability minimums for EV batteries of 80% after five years/100,000 km and 72% after eight years/160,000 km.
- Drivers face near‑term tasks and costs that include Germany’s January 19, 2026 licence‑exchange deadline for 1999–2001 card licences, 2026 blue HU/TÜV stickers with fines for overdue checks, and fuel price increases estimated at up to roughly 3 cents per liter from planned CO2 certificate auctions.