As of July 2024, the EU General Safety Regulation 2019/2144 requires all new car models sold in the European Union to be equipped with a driver monitoring system (DMS) that uses a camera to detect distraction and drowsiness. This regulation aims to reduce accidents caused by driver inattention, but it also raises significant privacy and usability concerns among drivers and consumer advocates. The DMS must be integrated into the vehicle's type-approval process and cannot be permanently disabled. The system typically uses infrared cameras to track eye and head movements, issuing alerts when distraction is detected.
Background
Driver monitoring systems use in-car cameras and computer vision to assess driver alertness. They were first introduced by Toyota in 2006. The EU's General Safety Regulation 2019/2144, effective from 2022 for new types and 2024 for all new vehicles, mandates progressive safety features including DMS as part of a broader push toward automated driving and road safety.
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Discussion
Community comments are mixed: some users report positive experiences with similar systems (e.g., Ford's BlueCruise), noting accuracy and life-saving potential, while others express frustration with intrusive alerts, poor user experience, and privacy concerns. There is also skepticism about potential abuse and mandatory integration.