EU considers compulsory breathalysers

New laws that are under consideration could make it mandatory for cars to be fitted with breathalysers and other safety features.

The European Commission is evaluating a move to include common fittings in new vehicles, although the car industry is resisting the introduction of a costly standardised socket.

The Commission released a report last month that outlined a number of feasible additions to car safety, the most eye-catching being the inclusion of alcohol interlocks, a dashboard mounted breathalyser that wont allow the car to start if the driver is over the limit.

The European Commission estimates that about a quarter of all road deaths in Europe are alcohol-related, however, the Association of European Carmakers (ACEA) opposes the idea, preferring a system whereby manufacturers provide standardised information to installers on how interlock systems may be fitted.

The ACEA believe that a standard interface would leave cars more vulnerable to attacks such as hacking, enabling people to illegally immobilise the vehicle and facilitate the mimicking of devices.

Speaking about the proposal, ACEA spokeswoman Cara McLaughlin said, "A standard interface would introduce risks, costs and delays that could be avoided with a standardised installation document."

Share this article