GSR2 Regulation 2024 – Phase 2 Summary

Written by Rachel O'Toole

4 mins read

What is GSR2? 

As you may be aware, the vehicle General Safety Regulation 2, or GSR2, has been effective in Europe since July 6th 2022, this being an evolution of the GSR1 in place since November 2019.  

The aim of the GSR regulation is to drastically reduce the number of road deaths across Europe through the introduction of the latest safety technology as standard on all new vehicles. As you will no doubt agree, given the trends we see in Ireland over recent months in terms of fatalities on our roads, any improvement in road safety is most welcome. The regulation also sets out the framework to allow automated and fully driverless vehicles to become available on European roads in the near future. 

GSR2 has been implemented in two phases, the first of which was in 2022.  

Phase 1

Phase 1 meant that from July 6th 2022, all new vehicle types launched had to comply with the GSR2, and include the below advanced vehicle systems and safety requirements; 

  • Intelligent speed assistance 
  • Alcohol interlock installation facilitation 
  • Driver drowsiness and attention warning systems (for vehicles that exceed 65 km/h) 
  • Emergency stop signals 
  • Reversing detection systems 
  • Tyre pressure monitoring systems 
  • Protection of vehicles against cyberattacks 
  • Advanced emergency braking systems capable of detecting other motor vehicles 
  • Emergency lane-keeping systems 
  • Event data recorders (EDR) 
  • Frontal full-width impact tests 
  • Pole side impact 
  • Rear impact tests 

Phase 2

Phase 2 is now upcoming, and as of July 7th 2024, the above requirements will also apply to all new vehicle registrations in the State as distinct from just new vehicle types. 

Additionally, as part of the upcoming July update, the below safety features and requirements will be progressively applied between July 2024 and July 2029, including advanced driver distraction warning. 

  • Advanced emergency braking systems capable of detecting motor vehicles and vulnerable road users in front of them 
  • Enlarged head-impact protection zones capable of mitigating injuries in collisions with vulnerable road users 
  • Forward vision (vans) 

There is no action required from drivers on GSR2, and if you are leasing new vehicles with us from July 2024 onwards, rest assured that NiftiBusiness will be working with all of our partner manufacturers to ensure that all vehicles we put on the road for our customers comply with the new update for GSR2. 

Should you have any queries related to GSR2, or any other questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to assist.  

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