From 7 July, the EU mandates infrared driver-monitoring cameras in new cars

A major shift is on the way for anyone buying a brand-new vehicle.

From 7 July, the cabin of every newly registered car in the European Union - including in France - will have to include an infrared camera designed to track a driver’s eyes and sound an alert if attention drifts.

Mandatory infrared driver-monitoring camera in EU new cars

According to TF1, this camera may be positioned on the rear-view mirror, near the steering wheel, or within the vehicle’s interior structure on the driver’s side. The system can identify a range of behaviours, including using a smartphone while driving, nodding off, or looking too far away from the road. The channel reports that it activates after 4 seconds when you are travelling at more than 50 km/h.

AEB becomes compulsory to protect pedestrians and cyclists

The same rules also put strong emphasis on the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. As a result, AEB technology - tasked with detecting collision risks - is becoming mandatory for all new vehicles, motorhomes included.

From as little as 10 km/h, the system uses radar and lasers to spot an obstacle or another vehicle and can automatically trigger emergency braking.

Bodywork changes and the cost impact

In addition, vehicle bodywork will need to include a larger protection zone intended to reduce head injuries in the event of an impact. This development is aimed primarily at urban areas, where crashes involving vulnerable road users are frequent.

However, these systems are not without drawbacks, starting with their price. Our colleagues cite a cost of between €400 and €800 per vehicle, pushing the overall bill up further. European authorities are therefore considering exempting certain city cars from these requirements.

New mandatory equipment in Spain: the V-16 beacon

As a reminder, from 1 January 2026, Spain’s General Directorate of Traffic has decided to require vehicles to carry a V-16 beacon. This is a lamp that can be placed on the roof of the vehicle without leaving the vehicle, in order to warn of danger and become immediately visible in the event of an accident or breakdown.

The V16 warning beacon officially came into force on 1 July 2021. Since then, it has existed alongside the traditional warning triangle; while both devices remained permitted until January 2026, the V16 beacon will become the only authorised solution.

In practical terms, this small emergency flashing light uses a magnetic mount, and it takes only a few seconds for the driver to place it on the vehicle’s roof. Unlike the warning triangle, there is no need to step out and walk several metres - sometimes in critically poor visibility - to set the device up. More information on this can be found in our previous article here.