July 2026: New mandatory driver assistance systems coming to all new cars

GSR 2 safety regulation enters its final phase

The GSR 2 (General Safety Regulation) from EU regulation 2019/2144 continues to strengthen automotive safety. Following the initial rollout in 2024 with lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, the third phase applies from July 7 to all newly registered vehicles.

Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) improves rear-end safety

The standout feature is the ESS (Emergency Stop Signal), which triggers rapid flashing of brake lights during emergency braking (deceleration exceeding 6 m/s above 50 km/h). Unlike a fixed brake light, this flashing captures the following driver's attention faster, reducing reaction time and stopping distances.

Rear-end collisions remain the most common accident type across Europe. This innovation directly targets this risk.

Enhanced pedestrian and cyclist detection

Automatic emergency braking improves with mandatory detection of pedestrians and cyclists. Until now, this detection was optional. This evolution strengthens protection for vulnerable road users on Moroccan urban and highway roads alike.

Simultaneously, pedestrian head protection in vehicle collisions will improve.

Driver drowsiness and distraction monitoring enhanced

The drowsiness and distraction detection system evolves with continuous driver attention monitoring via camera. It will alert you after 6 seconds of inattention between 20–50 km/h, and after 3.5 seconds above 50 km/h.

Debate over controversial assistance features

Many Moroccan drivers with recent vehicles complain about overspeed alerts, considered intrusive. Some manufacturers like Renault make deactivation easy, while others like Toyota make it cumbersome for daily use.

More concerning: automatic emergency braking has revealed issues with "phantom braking" reported by users in 2025. Investigations have been launched, though without official confirmation.

Exemptions for affordable budget models

Note: certain driver assistance features will be absent from future budget models such as the upcoming Citroën 2CV electric, which fall under different regulatory frameworks. To reduce manufacturing and retail costs, these vehicles will have scaled-back safety equipment.

Source: caradisiac