All new cars sold in the UK will soon be fitted with breathalysers and black box-style recorders, as Labour seeks to bring British vehicle manufacturing standards in line with

European Union regulations.

The move comes as part of Sir Keir Starmer’s government strategy to reduce manufacturing costs and avoid price hikes for consumers by eliminating differences between UK and EU safety requirements.

Alignment with EU safety laws

Transport Minister Lord Hendy confirmed in Parliament that the government is taking “an explicit presumption in favour of alignment” with EU rules on car manufacturing. He added that Labour is considering mandating all safety technologies required by the EU’s General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2) and will consult manufacturers, industry bodies, and dealerships before finalising the plan.

GSR2, introduced after Brexit, requires cars to be equipped with:

Breathalyser systems (Alcolocks): Prevent cars from starting if drivers fail an alcohol test.

Event Data Recorders (EDRs): Capture information such as speed and braking before collisions.

Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW): Alerts drivers if they show signs of fatigue.

Northern Ireland already follows GSR2 rules under the Brexit deal, creating the risk of higher costs for consumers if mainland UK standards diverge. Labour argues alignment will prevent such disparities and support integrated supply chains across the automotive industry.

Industry and political reactions

Many car manufacturers support the move, with Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, stating that regulatory alignment “supports efficient production, keeping costs down for consumers while retaining the widest possible model choice.”

However, Brexit supporters have criticised the decision as a step towards renewed EU influence. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith accused Labour of “incrementally moving back towards the European Union,” while Conservative MP Mark Francois called it “rule-taking from the EU.”

Public backing for alcolocks

Despite political pushback, public support for in-car breathalysers is strong. A recent RAC poll found that 53% of drivers want courts to mandate alcolocks for those convicted of drink-driving.

The RAC argues that the technology could reduce reoffending, citing DVLA data showing 27,000 people were convicted of multiple drink-driving offences between 2013 and July 2024. “Too many lives are lost and ruined by drink-driving,” said Simon Williams, RAC’s head of policy.

The EU already requires all new cars sold since July 2024 to be prepared for alcolock installation, with offenders typically bearing the cost of fitting the devices. Photo by Alexander Migl, Wikimedia commons.