This system is designed so that whenever a vehicle brakes suddenly, the rear lights flash rapidly rather than remaining fixed, providing a much clearer warning of the urgency of the situation to the driver behind.

The main objective of this measure is to combat rear-end collisions, one of the most frequent types of accidents on European roads, by allowing those behind to distinguish between a slight slowdown and an emergency stop, thereby gaining precious seconds in reaction time.

This new regulation is part of a broader EU effort to reduce human error resulting from distractions or fatigue by introducing technologies that, in many cases, already exist and will become the standard, not optional.

Thus, from the same date, new cars will also include automatic emergency braking systems, lane-keeping assist, fatigue or inattention warnings, and Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), which helps the driver stay within legal speed limits. Additionally, vehicles will be equipped with an event data recorder to store information in case of an accident and will be prepared for the future installation of alcohol-based immobiliser systems.

Only for new vehicles

For drivers in Portugal and the rest of Europe, it is important to emphasise that these rules apply exclusively to new registrations from July 2026 onwards; there is no obligation to modify or adapt vehicles already in circulation.

The transition will therefore be gradual and will accompany the natural renewal of the car fleet. Although a flashing signal does not prevent an accident on its own, improved visual communication between drivers aims to reduce confusion at critical moments, making roads safer as these technologies become the norm in everyday road use.