Starting July 2024, new regulations related to the General Safety Regulation (GSR) for trucks will come into effect across Europe. Originating from legislation passed in 2022, these regulations mandate several advanced safety features for vehicles. In this article, we’ll explore what these rules will mean for your truck in 2025.
Safety always comes first on the road. In 2021, nearly 20,000 traffic accidents occurred within the EU, with approximately 14% involving heavy trucks. This number is notably high compared to their overall share in road traffic.
From July 2024, the EU is adding no fewer than eleven new safety measures to the GSR:
Emergency stop signal: A flashing brake light alerting drivers behind the truck when braking hard.
Reversing detection: Cameras or sensors providing visibility of people or objects behind the vehicle.
Tyre pressure monitoring system: Automatically monitors tyre pressure and alerts the driver when pressure drops.
Intelligent speed assistance: Closely monitors speed, alerting the driver if the speed limit is exceeded.
Blind spot warning system: Alerts the driver to vulnerable road users in the blind spot.
Moving-off information system: Warns drivers about vulnerable road users when pulling away.
Alcohol interlock installation facilitation: Standard interface for connecting a breathalyser device.
Driver alert support: Assesses the driver’s attention levels and issues warnings in case of drowsiness or distraction.
Advanced driver distraction warning: Detects if the driver becomes distracted and issues a timely warning.
Improved direct vision: Trucks must be designed to enhance visibility from the cabin, reducing blind spots and improving overall vision.
Event data recorder: Introduces a "black box" that stores critical data in the event of an accident.
The smart tachograph, also known as Smart Tacho 2, is part of the updated EU tachograph rules, aimed at making road transport safer and fairer. This advanced tachograph system records driving and rest times, speed, and mileage even more accurately.
Like previous tachographs, the new Smart Tacho 2 ensures compliance with existing tachograph rules. From August 2025, the Smart Tacho 2 will become mandatory for newly registered vehicles. Existing trucks equipped with analogue or older digital tachographs must be upgraded or replaced. Whether you operate an analogue or digital tachograph, it’s essential to be prepared for these changes.
These new regulations apply specifically to N2 and N3 trucks. From July 2024, all newly registered trucks sold in the EU must be equipped with these additional GSR safety features. Interested in knowing which trucks already meet these standards? View the current selection available at BAS World.
But what about vehicles registered before July 2024? These trucks are still permitted on public roads, both within and outside the EU. The new European regulations only apply to newly registered vehicles. This means you, as a business owner, can still opt for a reliable used truck without the latest GSR systems. This can be especially appealing if you're working with a lower purchase budget or operating in countries where these regulations are not yet mandatory. However, keep in mind that different regulations might apply when exporting vehicles outside the EU.
The EU continues to tighten regulations concerning vehicle safety and sustainability. The goal? To increase road safety for drivers and encourage cleaner transportation. Subsidies, such as environmental investment deductions, are available for those purchasing zero-emission trucks. These incentives make investing in zero-emission vehicles increasingly attractive—especially as more cities in the Netherlands introduce zero-emission zones. Making your transportation more sustainable could therefore be a wise decision.
We understand that an electric truck represents a significant investment, and not every transport company is ready for this transition yet. That’s why BAS World continues to offer an extensive range of reliable diesel trucks, immediately available and competitively priced.
Whether you opt for a nearly new truck or a brand-new diesel model, we're here to help you make the best choice for today and tomorrow.
Browse our extensive selection of trucks or contact one of our advisors. We’re here to help you find the ideal solution for your needs!
