Speed limiters & breathalyser tech required on new cars from 2022

If you buy a new car in a few years’ time, it will probably come with speed limiting technology and the wiring for an in-built breathalyser.

These and other advanced safety systems will have to be installed on all new cars sold in the EU from mid-2022 following a decision by the European Council.

It’s part of efforts to increase safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries on EU roads.
Although the UK is set to leave the European Union, the current government has said previously that it will adopt EU rules on road safety.



Under the new rules, all motor vehicles (including trucks, buses, vans and sport utility vehicles) will have to be equipped with:

• Intelligent speed assistance.
• Alcohol interlock installation facilitation.
• Driver drowsiness and attention warning systems.
• Advanced driver distraction warning systems.
• Emergency stop signals.
• Reversing detection systems.
• Event data recorders.
• Accurate tyre pressure monitoring.

Cars and vans will also have to incorporate additional safety measures including: advanced emergency braking systems, emergency lane-keeping systems and enlarged head impact protection zones capable of mitigating injuries in collisions with vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart welcomed the move.
“Speed limiters will still be voluntary so you don’t have to use them, but they could save your licence if you do,” explained Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research.

“Although all new cars from 2022 will be enabled to have an alcolock it will be up to the UK government to decide how they are used. We see them as a useful tool for repeat drink-drive offenders to get them back to safe driving after a ban. It is very unlikely that the vast majority of the law-abiding public will ever have to blow in a tube to start their car.”

If you’ve been convicted of drink-driving or speeding, convicted driver insurance from the Insurance Factory can get you back behind the wheel with as little hassle possible.

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