What are ADAS systems and which ones are mandatory in new cars? Facts you should know

Did you know that since 2022 the European Union has required several ADAS systems in new models for safety reasons? Here is the essentials, explained from driver to driver.

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) are electronic aids that reduce human error: automatic braking, lane keeping, traffic sign recognition, etc. They are not autonomous driving systems; they are assistants that step in to avoid or mitigate collisions.

What European regulation requires (legal context): Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 requires, from 6 July 2022, that new vehicle types incorporate a series of ADAS. The requirement was extended to apply to all new vehicles registered from 7 July 2024.

Systems required by the regulation – among the most relevant

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection: intervenes if it detects an imminent collision.
• Lane keeping/departure warning (LDW/LKA): corrects or warns when the car leaves its lane without signalling.
• Intelligent speed assistance (ISA): detects signs and limits and warns or limits speed.
• Drowsiness and attention detection system: alerts if it detects loss of concentration or driver fatigue.
• Event data recorder (EDR): technical record for analysing crashes.
• Manoeuvre assistance and pedestrian detection systems (sensors/cameras for reversing and manoeuvring).

What you need to know

• Key dates: 6/07/2022 (new types) and 7/07/2024 (all new vehicles).
• ADAS reduce crashes, but they do not replace driver attention.
• After repairing a windscreen, sensor or camera, professional calibration is required so they work correctly.
• Manufacturers may offer different levels: check the manual and specifications before buying.
• In the used market, the presence and condition of ADAS affect value and insurance offers.

What do they do and since when are they mandatory?

–Autonomous emergency braking (AEB): Avoids/mitigates impacts with vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists – 07/07/2024

–Lane keeping/departure warning (LDW/LKA): Prevents unintended lane departures – 07/07/2024

–Intelligent speed assistance (ISA) – Detects limits and helps you respect them – 07/07/2024

–Drowsiness/attention detection – Alerts the driver to loss of attention – 07/07/2024

–Event data recorder (EDR) – Records useful parameters after an accident – 07/07/2024

–Manoeuvre detection (cameras/sensors) – Assists when parking and detects pedestrians/obstacles – 07/07/2024

Practical workshop and daily use tips

Keep cameras and sensors clean and always request calibration after impacts or windscreen replacement. On the road, use ADAS as a co-pilot: accept warnings and correct when they intervene, but keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

What changes for you as a buyer or driver: If you buy a new car from 2024, expect most passenger cars to come with these systems as standard. For used cars, ask about the maintenance history and check the presence and condition of the ADAS.

Conclusion: Making these ADAS mandatory is only the first step. In the coming months we will see greater standardisation, improvements in cyclist and pedestrian detection, and an adjustment of insurance and valuations in the used market. As a driver, your advantage is clear: fewer scares and more reaction time, as long as you don’t lower your guard.