【AI前沿】All Vehicles Sold in the EU Must Be Able to Hook Up to a Breathalyzer

Fernanda GonzálezGearMay 23, 2026 3:00 AMAll Vehicles Sold in the EU Must Be Able to Hook Up to a BreathalyzerThe measure is part of a European Union–led strategy to eliminate all drunk-driving-related deaths and injuries by 2050.Photograph: François Nascimbeni/AFP/Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyAs of July1, all vehicles sold within theEuropean Unionmust include a standard, preinstalled interface that allows a breathalyzer lock to be added to the ignition system. This measure is part of a larger strategy promoted by the EU to reduce drunk-driving-related deaths and injuries by at least 50 percent by 2030.The requirement falls under the Vision Zero program, launched by European authorities more than five years ago, which aims toeliminate alcohol-related traffic fatalitiesentirely—or get as close to zero as possible—by 2050. The measure also aligns with the timetable established in the EU’s General Safety Regulation, which setsspecific deadlinesfor manufacturers to incorporate various safety features into vehicle designs, starting at the factory.The regulation that will become mandatory in July obliges automakers to provide an electrical connection and reserve a space inside the vehicle to allow the installation of an “alcolock” device. This device must comply with European standard EN 50436 for Alcohol Ignition Interlocks and have a certificate issued by an authorized accrediting entity.Theoperation of an alcolockis simple. Before starting the vehicle, the driver must blow into the device, which measures the level of alcohol present in the breath. If the result exceeds the legal limit, the system, which connected to the vehicle’s ignition or starting mechanism, automatically blocks the ignition cycle and prevents the car from starting.This type of technology already operates in several European countries, mainly as part of programs aimed at repeat offenders of alcohol-related offenses or in certain sectors of professional transport. Official figures estimate that its implementation can reduce fatal accidents associated with alcohol consumption by up to 65 percent.Since 2018, the European Union’s road safety program has incorporated different technologies to reinforce safe driving. As of 2024, new vehicles integrate an intelligent speed assistant, a system that detects the permitted speed limit using cameras or GPS and alerts the driver when they are exceeded the limit.In addition, there is the emergency lane keeping assistant, capable of correcting the trajectory when the vehicle deviates without prior signaling. Also noteworthy is the event data recorder, popularly known as the “black box,” which stores key information during theseconds prior to an accidentto facilitate law enforcement and traffic safety agency investigations.Recently, a requirement was added to incorporate the adaptive brake light, a mechanism that, in the event of sudden braking, automatically and intensely activates the rear lights to warn other drivers of the need to slow down and avoid a collision.The obligation to install an interface for an on-board breathalyzer is the final step in this set of safety measures. As of the first day of July, no car will be allowed to leave a dealership within the EU without full compliance with all these requirements.This story was originally published byWIRED en Españoland has been translated from Spanish.