Since 7 July 2026, the driver distraction warning system ADDW (“Advanced Driver Distraction Warning”) is mandatory for all newly registered passenger cars in the EU and Switzerland.
How ADDW works
- Function: An infrared camera in the cockpit continuously monitors your head position, gaze direction and eye movements.
- Trigger: The system detects when you are distracted for an extended period – for example by glancing at your smartphone.
- Warning times: At 20 to 50 km/h a warning is issued after more than 6 seconds; above 50 km/h already after more than 3.5 seconds.
- Data protection: No biometric data is stored and faces are not uniquely identified. All data stays inside the vehicle.
- Deactivation: Like other mandatory assistants, ADDW can be switched off – but it reactivates automatically every time the engine is started.
You can find comprehensive details on how the system works and its legal basis in the overview by the Swiss Federal Roads Office FEDRO (in German) or in the SRF News article.
What does this mean for your car import?
Switzerland adopts the EU vehicle registration rules. For imports this means:
- New cars registered for the first time on or after 7 July 2026 must have ADDW on board – this applies to vehicles bought in the EU just as it does to registration in Switzerland.
- Used cars already registered before that date are not affected. There is no retrofitting obligation.
Would you like to know whether your current vehicle or a particular model you have in mind is affected by the ADDW requirement? Contact us with the vehicle model and year of manufacture – we will be happy to check for you.