New cars: Mandatory assistants from 7 July 2026

The ÖAMTC assesses the new requirements as fundamentally positive. The automobile club sees this as an important step to further reduce the number of serious road traffic accidents. Rear-end collisions, unintentional lane changes and overlooking obstacles when reversing are in particular to become less frequent as a result.

ÖAMTC sees need for improvement

At the same time, the ÖAMTC points out that the assistance systems only function reliably if they are sufficiently trained. ÖAMTC technician Daniel Deimel explains that there have been occasional false interventions so far. The mandatory systems would have to be trained on a wide variety of scenarios and obstacles.

In addition, warnings and interventions would have to be coordinated in such a way that drivers are not disturbed, irritated and overwhelmed, Deimel emphasises. Particularly an accumulation of acoustic and haptic signals could lead to car drivers ignoring hints – thereby undermining the actual safety purpose.

With the gradual expansion of the requirements, the EU Commission is pursuing the goal of significantly reducing the number of traffic fatalities and seriously injured persons in Europe. The level now coming into force applies to newly type-approved passenger cars; transitional periods apply to existing series, allowing manufacturers to adjust their production.

Impact on buyers

Consumers can assume that many models already meet the new requirements as standard, as some manufacturers have offered corresponding systems for some time. Which functions are on board in an individual case is documented in the respective vehicle equipment.

For the used car market, however, the regulation has no direct consequences. Anyone buying an older car does not have to retrofit an additional assistance system. Future stages of the EU regulation will include, among other things, stricter requirements for interior monitoring and for interfaces for alcohol-sensitive immobilisers.

Overall, experts see the development towards more standard safety as an intervention with manageable costs that could prevent many thousands of accidents per year. The ÖAMTC recommends finding out about the individual assistance functions and their limitations before purchasing a new vehicle.