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

  • San Diego: Let there be (street)light
    March 30, 2020
    The influence of intelligent streetlights is spreading. David Crawford finds that San Diego’s deployment – and attendant legislation – may offer a blueprint for other cities going forward
  • Building the case for photo enforcement
    October 26, 2016
    As red light enforcement is returning to some intersections and being shut down at others, new evidence has been released backing the safety campaigners, reports Jon Masters. In 2014, 709 Americans were killed in red-light-running crashes and an estimated 126,000 were injured according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
  • VRU safety report urges enforcement
    March 18, 2020
    Enforcement must be at the heart of a drive to reduce vulnerable road user deaths and injuries, says the latest report from the European Transport Safety Council. Its facts and figures give authorities the justification to invest more in camera technology and other ITS solutions
  • Switching Atlanta onto MaaS
    May 9, 2019
    It’s easy to talk about MaaS in the abstract – but MaaS isn’t going to work if it’s just a theory. Colin Sowman speaks to one woman about the practical benefits - and difficulties - of getting out of her car and switching to public transit in Atlanta, Georgia One of the first goals of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) inventor Sampo Hietanen is that MaaS should persuade households they don’t need a second car. This is starting to happen - even in the car-dominated US. Last year, authorities in the state of Ge