European Cars Will Require Built-In Speed Limiters And Other Safety Features By 2022

When driving throughout Europe, it doesn’t take long to start asking questions about speed limits. There are few standardized road signs and digital maps can often lack up-to-date information.

However, the E.U. is now looking to change that.

Under new rules and guidelines passed by the European Union, new cars sold in Europe from 2022 on will have tech to limit car speeds.

"Every year, 25,000 people lose their lives on our roads. The vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error," European Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska said in a statement released alongside the announcement.

She continued: "with the new advanced safety features that will become mandatory, we can have the same kind of impact as when the safety belts were first introduced."

The law won’t mandate specific tech to use, instead relying on systems that have been or are being developed by carmakers currently. It will simply require "intelligent speed assistance" tech to ensure cars adhere to speed limits.

"Intelligent speed assistance" systems aren’t features that simply hit the brake to slow down the car. Instead, the system will limit engine power to ensure a car stays at the speed limit unless the driver overrides it.

However, there will be some features mandated by the law for additional safety, including crash data records and reverse cameras.

In the U.K., the systems will still be implemented despite Brexit, according to BBC News.

While the law was met with praise by safety advocates, there have been those quick to point out possible problems the laws could cause.

First, there’s a concern that drivers may not be as focused on road conditions because of the systems.

There are also concerns about implementing the systems in a feasible way. The European Automotive Manufacturers Association warned the E.U. in 2018 that Europe’s infrastructure could limit "widespread application." Instead, it suggests the systems be introduced gradually so Europe has a chance to update a county’s respective infrastructure.

The law changes will now go before E.U. member states and the European Parliament for formal approval.