Overview
- New EU type approvals must include a wider safety suite starting July 7, 2026, under Regulation 2019/2144’s Stage C.
- Automatic emergency braking must detect pedestrians and cyclists and apply the brakes to avoid or reduce a collision.
- Models that lack the required systems will not receive type approval, while already registered cars face no retrofit requirement.
- An adaptive emergency brake-light has been mandatory since July 7, 2024, and it switches to rapid flashing during hard stops typically above 50 km/h and 6 m/s² deceleration.
- The 2026 package also adds lane-keeping that works with hydraulic steering, a distraction warning system, a larger pedestrian head-impact zone, intelligent speed assist, event data recording, and Alcolock preparation.