European Union General Safety Regulation

The new Vehicle General Safety Regulation was applicable in the EU on 6th July 2022. It introduced a range of mandatory advanced driver assistant systems to improve road safety and established the legal framework for the approval of automated and fully driverless vehicles in the EU. The new safety measures are aimed at better protecting passengers, pedestrians and cyclists across the EU, expectedly saving over 25,000 lives and avoiding at least 140,000 serious injuries by 2038.

As the coming into force of the General Safety Regulation empowers the Commission to complete the legal framework for automated and connected vehicles, the Commission also delivered technical rules for the approval of fully driverless vehicles, making EU a pioneer in the field. These will help to increase public trust, boost innovation and improve the competitiveness of Europe’s car industry.