Overview of mandatory safety functions from July 2024

• Emergency Stop Signal
• Reversing Detection
• Tire Pressure Loss Warning System
• Intelligent Speed Assistant
• Blind Spot Information System
• Moving-off information System
• Facilitating the installation of alcohol testers (Alcohol Interlock Installation Facilitation)
• Drowsiness and Attention Warning

With the "General Safety Regulation", the EU wants to significantly improve road safety. In particular, vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists are to be better protected. The EU most recently issued corresponding regulations for equipping vehicles with safety and assistance systems in Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 on "type-approval requirements for motor vehicles and their trailers, and systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, as regards their general safety and the protection of vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users".

Since 2015, newly registered buses have had to be equipped with emergency braking assistants and lane departure warning systems, among other things. Since 2022, new vehicle types coming onto the market have had to be equipped with additional assistance and safety systems, and these will be mandatory for all newly registered buses from July 2024.

These eight safety functions will be mandatory from July 2024:

Emergency Stop Signal: Flashing brake light or similar warning signal that alerts following road users when the bus is braking sharply.

Reversing Detection: Informs the driver about objects and people behind the bus using a camera or sensors.

Tire Pressure Loss Warning System (TPM) Continuously monitors the tire pressure and warns the driver in the event of pressure loss.

Intelligent Speed Assistant Detects the current maximum permissible speed and warns the driver if the maximum permissible speed is exceeded.

Blind Spot Information System: Warns the driver of moving pedestrians, cyclists and objects located in the blind spot area next to the bus.

Moving-off Information System: Warns the driver of stationary or moving pedestrians and cyclists in front of the vehicle before driving off or when driving slowly.

Facilitation of installation of alcohol monitoring devices (Alcohol Interlock Installation Facilitation): Standardized interface that enables the installation of alcohol interlock devices in vehicles.

Drowsiness and Attention Warning: Evaluates the driver's attentiveness by analyzing the vehicle systems and warn the driver as required.

Many of the new mandatory safety functions, such as the emergency stop signal, reversing detection, tire pressure monitoring, blind spot information system or attention warning system, are already available in Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses and are now being introduced into series production and, in some cases, their functional scope has been significantly expanded.