Skip to main content

Most EU motorists want legislation on vehicle data, says survey

The overwhelming majority of European road users want laws to protect their rights when it comes to the data their vehicle generates while driving. A new survey, by FIA Region I across 15 countries, found that 93% of motorists support the need for dedicated legislation to ensure their consumer rights and data protection. This is not to suggest that people have a problem with vehicle data per se – for example, 88% are happy to share remotely their location and vehicle status with roadside assistance provid
January 16, 2019 Read time: 2 mins
The overwhelming majority of European road users want laws to protect their rights when it comes to the data their vehicle generates while driving.


A new survey, by 8054 FIA Region I across 15 countries, found that 93% of motorists support the need for dedicated legislation to ensure their consumer rights and data protection.

This is not to suggest that people have a problem with vehicle data per se – for example, 88% are happy to share remotely their location and vehicle status with roadside assistance providers.

However, 64% are not in favour of letting their car synchronise phone contacts and emails, the organisation reveals.

The figures come ahead of an anticipated European Commission recommendation, expected before the end of March, which covers some of the issues around vehicle data and how it is accessed by third parties.

“Car connectivity should bring applications that improve the lives of road users,” says FIA Region I director general Laurianne Krid. “However, we need specific and legally binding rules to protect consumers and ensure vehicle and driver data are shared in a safe and reliable way. We call on the Commission to come forward with such a proposal as a matter of urgency.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • A coalition of the willing: iATL
    April 5, 2024
    A living lab on the streets of Georgia, US, is helping to improve traffic safety by real-world deployments of technology. ITS International talks to the founder and some of the partners at the Infrastructure Automotive Technology Laboratory
  • Heavy cost of car safety systems gives buyers pause
    September 11, 2013
    New research by Frost and Sullivan finds that constant technological innovations in automotive safety warrant frequent updates to legislation. With the number of fatalities and injuries on the rise, legislative authorities in Europe are taking a keen interest in the safety of pedestrians, passengers and drivers. This enhanced focus on safety has far-reaching ramifications for the automotive industry.
  • ATFI disputes toll survey findings
    September 15, 2014
    According to a recent poll by infrastructure group HNTB, 79 per cent of US residents would support "would support the addition of a toll on a non-tolled surface transportation facility if it resulted in a safer, congestion-free and more reliable trip." The poll also found 83 per cent of its respondents would also support tolls on highways that are currently free, which has been a source of contentious debate in Washington. HNTB Toll Services Chairman Jim Ely said the finding bolstered the argument o
  • RAC: over half of drivers believe congestion has worsened on UK major roads
    November 2, 2017
    56% of 1,727 drivers questioned in an annual survey believe that congestion has worsened on UK major roads, which carries 65% of all traffic, despite them comprising only 13% of the country’s road network. The findings from the survey have been presented by the RAC’s Report on Motoring.