A new rule for drivers is being introduced in the EU: from now on, you’ll be monitored by a camera

As early as 2026, drivers in the EU will face a new level of monitoring: the ADDW system, featuring an in-car smart camera, will become mandatory. It will continuously monitor the driver’s gaze and head position to prevent accidents caused by inattention. Find out how this technology works and whether older cars will need to be upgraded

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The European Union is preparing for major changes in the field of road safety. From 7 July 2026, all new passenger cars and lorries undergoing initial registration will be required to be fitted with state-of-the-art monitoring systems. The main innovation will be the introduction of a smart in-car camera, which will continuously monitor the condition of the driver. These changes are being introduced as part of the large-scale European Vision Zero strategy, whose ambitious goal is to reduce the number of road accidents to zero by 2050.

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What is the ADDW system in a car

The abbreviation ADDW stands for Advanced Driver Distraction Warning. According to the new EU Regulation (2023/2590), this technology will become a mandatory standard for all new vehicles. Its main task is to detect in good time if the driver has become distracted and to prevent a potential road traffic accident.

How the driver fatigue monitoring camera works

The main component of the ADDW system is a special camera installed in the vehicle’s cabin and directed directly at the driver’s face. It operates round the clock, functioning flawlessly both during the day and at night. The electronics continuously analyse eye movement, head position and the general direction of the driver’s gaze.

The technology activates automatically as soon as the car accelerates beyond 20 km/h. The operating algorithm depends on the speed of travel:

▪️ When travelling at speeds between 20 and 50 km/h, the system will issue a warning if the driver’s gaze lingers in the ‘distraction’ zone (for example, on a smartphone or the car stereo) for longer than 6 seconds.

▪️ At high speeds, exceeding 50 km/h, the safe distraction window is critically reduced. The camera will trigger after just 3.5 seconds of inattention.

As soon as the system detects a violation, the driver receives a visual warning on the instrument panel, which is always accompanied by audible or tactile signals (such as steering wheel or seat vibration). If the driver does not respond, the intensity of the warnings will increase until their attention returns to the road. In addition, the system is capable of self-diagnosing faults and informing the driver of them, and its correct operation will be regularly checked during technical inspections.

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What is the ESS system and how does it work

In addition to surveillance cameras, from 7 July 2026, European regulators are making the ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) mandatory. This system is designed to prevent dangerous pile-ups on motorways.

The principle behind it is intuitive and highly effective: if a driver applies the brakes suddenly at speeds exceeding 50 km/h or the car’s ABS system is activated, the rear brake lights begin to flash rapidly and brightly.

This allows drivers behind to instantly recognise an abnormal situation, react more quickly and press the brake pedal in time.

Is it mandatory to install a camera on older cars

News about new monitoring systems often causes concern among car owners who fear unforeseen costs. However, legislators have made an important clarification: the new rules apply exclusively to new vehicles being registered for the first time. Owners of older vehicles already on the road will not be required to retrofit their cars and install surveillance cameras or emergency braking sensors at their own expense.

It should be noted that in order to travel freely within the EU in a car with Ukrainian registration, the driver must hold a ‘Green Card’ insurance policy. Failure to have insurance or having expired insurance risks not only fines that are several dozen times higher than the annual cost of the insurance policy, but also the impoundment of the vehicle and deportation from the country, followed by a ban on re-entry. Apply for a “Green Card” right now.

Remember! In Poland, you can take the theory test for a driving licence in Ukrainian. The practical test is conducted with an interpreter. Find out the conditions for obtaining a driving licence and the cost in 2026.

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