GSR2: A new chapter in vehicle safety

In mid-2022, a new EU regulation, widely known as General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2), came into force. These regulations aim to improve the safety of all road users. Initially applying to new vehicle types, the regulations have been mandatory for all newly registered passenger cars, vans, trucks, and buses since July 2024. Here’s a closer look at the specific changes introduced by this document. 

The new road traffic safety requirements have been introduced under Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 of the European Parliament and Council, commonly known as GSR2 – General Safety Regulation 2. These rules mandate that vehicles registered in EU markets must be equipped with advanced safety technologies from July 7, 2024, onwards. 

From option to obligation 

GSR2 requires safety features that were previously optional, making them compulsory in newly manufactured vehicles. For passenger cars, the new driver-assistance safety measures include: 

• Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) 

• Rear object detection using cameras or sensors (REIS) 

• Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning systems (DDAW) 

• Event Data Recorders (EDR) 

• Emergency Stop Signals (ESS) 

Additionally, systems such as Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS) and Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) are now mandatory. AEBS detects potential collisions and automatically activates braking to reduce vehicle speed, avoid accidents, or mitigate their effects. GSR2 also simplifies the installation of alcohol interlock systems, which prevent the vehicle from starting if the driver is under the influence of alcohol. 

Additional protection for buses 

While these systems are obligatory for passenger cars, buses and heavy commercial vehicles require additional safety solutions. These include Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) to detect cyclists in blind spots and Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS) to alert drivers to pedestrians and cyclists in front of the vehicle. Other mandatory features include Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), cybersecurity measures to protect vehicles from cyberattacks, and software management regulations for vehicles. 

Vision Zero 

These new safety measures aim to enhance protection for passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists across the European Union. It is estimated that the new solutions will prevent up to 140,000 serious accidents and save over 25,000 lives by 2038 (source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_4312). The EU’s strategic goal is to eliminate nearly all road traffic fatalities by 2050 – a vision known as “Vision Zero”. 

GSR2 builds on a previous regulation on general vehicle safety, introduced in July 2022. It represents another significant step towards improving road safety, leveraging the latest technologies to protect all road users.