European Vehicle Safety Mandate Expands as Industry Fights Emissions Tool
07.07.2026 - 00:51:06 | boerse-global.de
Thirty European trailer and semi-trailer manufacturers filed a petition on 6 July 2026 demanding changes to EU Regulation 2024/1610. Their complaint targets the VECTO calculation tool, which they argue fails to reflect real-world operating conditions. The industry warns that the current rules could force designs that reduce payload capacity and increase empty trips, undermining the very emission cuts the regulation aims to achieve.
The dispute over VECTO is the latest flashpoint in a year of sweeping transport rule changes across Europe. From 7 July 2026, every new vehicle registered in the EU must carry four additional assistance systems as mandated by Regulation 2019/2144: an automatic emergency braking assistant, lane-keeping assistant, driver drowsiness warning, and an intelligent speed assistant (ISA). These expand on the standards already introduced in 2024, such as rear-view cameras.
Motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes face the steepest jump—eight systems are now compulsory, including an interface for an alcohol?interlock device and a tyre-pressure monitoring system. For heavier motorhomes above 3.5 tonnes, blind?spot detection and moving?off information systems are added, aimed at protecting cyclists and pedestrians.
Industry estimates put the extra cost per vehicle between €1,000 and €3,000, though some manufacturers have already absorbed part of the increase.
Alongside the vehicle?equipment rules, load?securing regulations have been tightened. A revised edition of the VDI 2700 guideline series took effect in January 2026. Sheet 3.2 introduces new labelling obligations for load?securing systems—manufacturers must now affix batch numbers and load limits directly on the equipment. Sheet 16 specifies requirements for vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes.
The need for stricter enforcement was underscored by an incident in late March 2026 on the B275 near Ober?Mörlen, Germany. Police stopped a truck carrying concrete parts weighing several tonnes without adequate restraint. Officers found worn?out lashing straps and also recorded a speed violation. The vehicle was impounded, and fine proceedings were opened against both the driver and the operator.
A growing niche in the logistics sector—solar?module transport—prompts separate advice. Experts recommend form?fit securing in line with VDI 2700. Glass photovoltaic panels should be transported upright to prevent microcracks. Lithium?ion batteries classified as UN 3480/3481 fall under strict ADR dangerous?goods rules covering packaging, labelling and documentation. For private individuals, the rule of thumb is: heavy items at the bottom, even weight distribution.
Cross?border traffic with Switzerland faces new conditions from 1 July 2026. Vans weighing 2.5 tonnes or more must be equipped with a second?generation smart tachograph for international journeys. Accident specialists hope the requirement will reduce crashes caused by driver fatigue, while business associations complain about the added administrative burden for small and medium?sized firms.
