The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has set vehicle safety standards in Europe since 1997, pushing manufacturers to adopt life-saving technologies. By 2026, Euro NCAP will award extra safety points to vehicles equipped with substance impairment detection systems, as part of the updated Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) protocols.
This new requirement is a significant step toward addressing a persistent threat on the road: alcohol and substance-impaired driving.

What’s Changing in 2026?
Starting in January 2026, all new vehicles in the EU will be will be encouraged to include alcohol and substance impairment detection systems, thanks to Euro NCAP’s updated Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) protocols. These systems are designed to reduce traffic accidents caused by impaired driving, using advanced technology to detect non-fatigue-related impairments, particularly those caused by alcohol or other substances.
The goal is to significantly lower the number of impaired drivers on the road. This updated Euro NCAP standard encourages automakers to incorporate these life-saving technologies, which will earn safety points toward a higher Euro NCAP rating—making these systems an essential feature for future vehicle safety.

Why Euro NCAP Ratings Matter
For automotive manufacturers, achieving a high Euro NCAP rating is essential. A five-star rating serves as a powerful signal to consumers that a vehicle is equipped with the most advanced safety features, giving manufacturers a competitive edge. Euro NCAP’s performance-based approach challenges manufacturers to go beyond legal standards, pushing the industry toward adopting innovative safety technologies. These ratings are also influential globally, as they set an internationally respected benchmark in vehicle safety.

Why Alcohol and Drug Detection Matter
Despite awareness, alcohol and drug impairment remains a leading cause of traffic accidents. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around 25% of road fatalities in Europe involve alcohol. Impairment detection technology provides a powerful tool for addressing this, supporting drivers, fleet operators, and everyday road users alike by increasing accountability and safety.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for 2026 and Beyond
As the automotive industry gears up for 2026, car manufacturers are beginning to incorporate these advanced impairment detection systems into new models. While this mandate is a significant change, it also signals the start of a broader trend towards driver impairment monitoring.
These advancements are part of a growing movement towards smarter, safer vehicles, where technology plays a crucial role in protecting both drivers and passengers. As we move towards a future where driverless and semi-autonomous vehicles become more common, monitoring systems like these will become integral to ensuring road safety.

Sightic: Leading the Way in Substance-Impairment Detection
Redefining standards in substance-impaired driver detection, our technology is fully aligned to meet and exceed Euro NCAP’s 2026 guidelines. Leveraging the world’s largest proprietary dataset on naturalistic driving behaviors influenced by alcohol and drugs, these AI-driven solutions provide unmatched accuracy for real-time impairment detection.
Our technology integrates seamlessly with existing Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS), continuously assessing driver behavior and alerting for signs of impairment as they arise. One of Sightic’s key innovations is our pre-test technology, capable of detecting severe alcohol and drug impairment before the vehicle even starts. This proactive measure complements continuous monitoring, ensuring drivers are fit to operate the vehicle from the very beginning, adding a critical layer of safety against impaired driving.

By providing state-of-the-art, Euro NCAP-compliant systems, we’re not only meeting the Rating mandates for 2026 but also setting new standards for substance-related driver impairment detection.

Our mission is simple: reduce accidents caused by alcohol and drugs, and make roads safer for all.