New cars to have breathalysers and speed limiters by 2022 following new EU rule

[MikeTheThinker]

"

A new EU regulation says that all new cars must have integrated breathalysers and speed-limiters by 2022. Existing models sold after 2024 must also have this updated safety technology. The British Government has confirmed the standards will apply in the United Kingdom, despite Brexit.

 

The landmark ruling, which the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) say may cut traffic collisions by 30% and save 25,000 lives across Europe over the next 15 years, received provisional approval in March but the European officials passed it early last week.

 

Tried and tested

In-car breathalysers are common in Australia and the United States, where they’re known more often as ‘alcohol interlock devices’, or ‘alcolocks’. Fitted onto the dashboard, the breathalyser needs a clean breath sample before the car’s engine will start. If the driver doesn’t pass the test, they must wait a certain amount of time before they can re-test. In-built chips can let the police know when a driver fails a test or if someone has tampered with the machine.

Some systems need the motorist to give repeat readings at random intervals, preventing drunk-drivers from getting a sober person to start the engine and/or drinking once the vehicle has started.

 

In a deliberate move, the EU won’t yet discuss the practicalities of how the breathalysers will work but, after doing my research into a common ignition interlock used in the US, I imagine it’ll work with a camera to check that the driver is the person taking the test whereby the camera takes an automatic snapshot of the motorist whenever they give their required sample.

 

Aside from breathalysers, the recent approval includes several new mandatory safety features including ‘Intelligent Speed Assistance’ (ISA) software, which stops drivers from going above speed limits, slowing speeding vehicles, and another feature that detects when you’re falling asleep, drifting over lanes, or losing concentration.

 

The speed-limiter software uses GPS data and speed limits from local traffic cameras, displaying the limits on your car’s dashboard.

If you go above the limit, the system reduces your car’s speed and, although you can override the system by pressing harder on the accelerator, if you continue to speed your car will sound an alert, like a seatbelt alarm.

 

The ETSC has suggested motorists should be able to deactivate ISA software. While speed-limiting equipment seems like something from ‘1984’, it could also help reduce road casualties, so shouldn’t we take advantage of all technological safety developments?"

 

Full article here.

 

 

[VRS_White_Hatch]

We should be just about ready to leave the EU by then. UK imports will hopefully not have the speed limited. Alcoloc I don't mind but I don't want to pay for it, and have something that could fail and prevent car starting. 

[gkr47]

If we leave the EU then our own safety groups or safety councils will probably adopt similar rules to the EU.

[Ootohere]

If they are fitted to the cars then no 'wuckin furries'  blow in the thing, pass and drive.

So basically carry on as now, unless you are a drink driver.

 

Enough tech now available that nobody should be able to drive if not switching on car lights, off fog lights when not required, that cars can not be driven if faulty lights are not fixed within 24 hours of a blown bulb warning, and if the tyre pressures are not checked regularly.

 

Then dead simple with finger print or eye recognition or what ever, 

if not insured or have a driving licence the car will not start.

Edited 23 November, 2019 by Roottootemoot

[Breezy_Pete]

Never wanted a new car anyway...

[Liger1956]

From my reading of this https://etsc.eu/eu-vehicle-safety-proposals-to-require-standardised-alcohol-interlock-interface/

and other reports it is only an interface that requires fitting not the actual breathalyser (but that does not sound as good in a headline)

 

"All new vehicles sold in the EU will feature a standardised interface to enable the fitment of aftermarket alcohol interlock devices, according to new EU vehicle safety standards proposed last month. The proposed requirement, part of a package of new vehicle safety standards, should make it simpler and cheaper to fit an alcohol interlock when a driver is required to do so by law.  Several EU countries have rehabilitation programmes for recidivist drink drivers that require installation of an interlock before a driver is allowed to get back behind the wheel.

The news will also be welcomed by fleet operators and bus and taxi firms, who increasingly use interlocks to ensure their drivers do not drive under the influence.  Buses and coaches in France are already required to be fitted with alcohol interlocks by law.  Belgium and Spain are working on adopting similar laws. ETSC says the move is welcome and long overdue but is also calling for alcohol interlocks to be required as standard on vans, lorries and buses."

[Dr Zoidberg]

This is another total non-story. As mentioned above, cars will have to have the capability to use an alcolock, but not the device itself. It won’t be something that all drivers have to use but it could be something that the courts could insist is fitted after a ban for drink driving.

 

Still, why let that get in the way of an Evil EU scare....

 

Oh, and if we do leave, our cars will still end up complying as it won’t be cost effective to build a separate version for the Uk. 

[Guest BigJase88]

Breathing into a breathalyser before the car will start every day maybe even a few days. Don’t think so