A Brief Analysis of EU DDAW and ADDW Regulations

Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 of the European Parliament and Council:

1. From 6 July 2022

   All M and N category vehicles sold in the EU must include Driver Drowsiness Alert (DDAW) system.

2. From 7 July 2024

   - DDAW systems are required for all new vehicles.

   - Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) systems are required for all newly registered vehicles.

3. From 7 July 2026

   ADDW systems become mandatory for all new cars placed on the European market.

Background of the Regulation

Drowsy driving has a negative impact on driver safety. Studies estimate that fatigued driving causes 10% to 25% of all road accidents in Europe. Drowsiness impairs drivers most during steady-speed highway driving. That's why DDAW and ADDW system works best on highways and fast rural roads (70+ km/h).

The EU projects these technologies will save over 25,000 lives and prevent 140,000+ serious injuries by 2038.

What is the Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW) system?

DDAW stands for Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning Systems. According to the definition of Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, the DDAW is a system that assesses the driver's alertness and warns the driver through the vehicle's human-machine interface when necessary.

Drowsiness behind the wheel becomes especially dangerous at high speeds. The EU's new General Safety Regulation (GSR) requires DDAW systems to activate automatically when vehicles exceed 70 km/h.

The DDAW system must warn drivers when drowsiness reaches Level 8 or higher on the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS). When the driver's drowsiness reaches level 7 specified in the KSS, the DDAW system may issue a warning.

【Karolinska Sleepiness Scale】

What is the Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) system?

ADDW is short for Advanced Driver Distraction Warning. It is a system that helps drivers keep their attention on traffic conditions and warns them when they are distracted.

The ADDW system watches your driving actions: steering, lane position, and speed. It also uses cameras or sensors inside the car, like eye tracking, to see if the driver is staying alert.

Privacy Protection

Driver Attention Monitoring systems (DDAW/ADDW) must:

1. Collect only essential data needed for real-time operation;

2. Process data exclusively within the vehicle's closed-loop system;

3. Never store, share, or transfer data to third parties;

4. Immediately delete all data after processing.

Ultravision DMS System Solution

Ultravision DMS System Solution consists of three parts: camera, host and speaker. The product forms are AI MDVR and AI Dash Cams. Both systems use AI and camera technology to check if the driver is sleepy or not paying attention. They can do this in real time and are up to 98% accurate.

When the driver is tired or not paying attention, a voice alarm will quickly remind them to focus on driving. It also sends a report to the control center. Staff at the center can turn on local devices and talk directly to the driver to help keep the fleet safe.

Ultravision's DMS Solution uses AI edge computing. It handles all data inside the vehicle, so it doesn’t affect the driver’s privacy.

Learn more about drowsy driving: How to prevent drowsy driving

For more product details, please visit: Ulvision Product Center

Edited by Henry Chia and updated on 2025.07.30