New rules could soon mean all new cars made in the UK are fitted with in-built breathalysers and black box-style data recorders, just like in the EU. The move has sparked a political row, with some saying it’s less about safety and more about the Labour government trying to get closer to the EU after Brexit.
The government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, says keeping UK car manufacturing different from Europe could drive up costs, and those would likely fall on the customer. But critics argue it’s really about aligning the UK more closely with EU rules.
This isn’t the first time Labour’s taken steps toward that. They've already agreed to follow some EU rules on plant and animal products to ease trade.
Now, the Department for Transport says it’s seriously considering matching the EU’s new car safety standards, known as GSR2, and wants to discuss it with car makers and trade bodies.
What is GSR2?
After Brexit, the EU rolled out its General Safety Regulation 2. It introduced a range of new car safety tech, including:
Alcolocks – in-car breathalysers that stop the engine from starting if the driver is over the limit
Black boxes (Event Data Recorders) – which log details like speed before a crash
Drowsiness alerts – that warn drivers if they’re getting sleepy
Northern Ireland already follows these rules because of the Brexit deal. But it’s causing problems. If cars built in England don’t meet EU standards, it could push up prices for drivers in Northern Ireland.
To avoid that, Labour is reportedly backing full alignment with EU car laws. Car manufacturers also seem to prefer the idea because it keeps production simple and costs down.
Are Alcolocks a Good Idea?
Politics aside, alcolocks, also called alcohol interlocks, are getting real support. A recent RAC poll found 53 percent of drivers think courts should be allowed to order convicted drink-drivers to have one installed.
And with over 27,000 people in the UK having multiple drink-driving convictions between 2013 and 2024, there’s a clear problem. The RAC says too many people reoffend, and alcolocks could be the fix.
They’re already being used in countries like Australia, Belgium and parts of the US, and from July 2024, all new cars in the EU must be alcolock-ready.
Here’s how they work: You blow into the device for about five seconds If you’re under the alcohol limit, the engine starts If you’re over, it won’t
Courts could choose who needs to have one, like repeat offenders or anyone caught drink-driving. In most cases, the offender pays for the fitting, unless they can’t afford it.
So, What’s Really Going On?
Labour says it’s about keeping cars affordable and safe. But Brexiteers claim it’s just another quiet step back toward EU control.
Either way, if you’re buying a new car in the next few years, don’t be surprised if it comes with a built-in breathalyser and black box tech as standard.
