In-Vehicle Cameras Now Mandatory in Europe; US Follows Suit Soon

      The latest Mercedes CLA, as pictured, features a camera positioned just above its central infotainment display.

      Adam Ismail

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      A series of regulations affecting new vehicles came into effect in the European Union on Wednesday, likely encountering some resistance. The EU now requires all cars to be fitted with an interior camera as part of an “advanced driver distraction warning (ADDW) system,” which monitors driver focus, detecting distractions, drowsiness, or inattentiveness, and prompts them to remain alert.

      While attention-assisting features in vehicles aren't novel, many simply provide reminders to take breaks after prolonged driving or suggest stopping for coffee. However, an ADDW system is more advanced, actively watching for signs of driver distraction.

      While most reasonable individuals would endorse increased attentiveness among drivers, a significant concern arises regarding the handling of recorded footage and whether manufacturers will adequately safeguard it from malicious use.

      Moreover, there is skepticism about whether car manufacturers can be entrusted with such sensitive information. All About Cookies noted, in its explanation of the issue, a New York Times investigation revealing that automakers like General Motors and Honda have previously mishandled data, sharing “driving score” information with brokers who, in turn, sometimes sold it to insurance companies, leading to higher premiums for customers.

      Hyundai has a driving evaluation feature in its vehicles that provides driving behavior data to brokers like LexisNexis.

      Although the EU mandates that ADDW systems operate in a “closed loop”—meaning they do not transmit data to external servers and keep everything contained within the vehicle—there's a distinction between requiring this and effectively enforcing it. Even if privacy issues are taken seriously, this is yet another instance of technological intrusion, guaranteed to increase vehicle costs at a time when prices are already soaring.

      In addition to the ADDW requirement, the EU also mandates that new cars include advanced emergency braking systems capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists, larger safety glass areas to protect pedestrians in accidents, and new tests for worn tires to assess safe performance.

      In 2021, the U.S. Congress passed legislation that would require similar technology, including in-car cameras, in new vehicles to address drunk and impaired driving. Following an extension, this technology must be integrated into cars starting next year.

      However, the challenge with this requirement is that the technology needed to passively identify signs of intoxication is still underdeveloped. In April, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that none of the current solutions were ready for commercial use. Thus, while Americans may temporarily avoid mandatory cabin monitoring, it seems inevitable that we will eventually align with our European counterparts.

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