The European Union's extensive regulations, aimed at increasing safety, are turning cars into luxury items, particularly impacting young drivers.
Starting July 7, all new vehicles must include advanced driver assistance systems. The EU claims these systems will save 25,000 lives by 2038, but the increased costs could price out many aspiring young drivers.
Young people’s dream of owning a car is becoming increasingly costly. With the average driving lesson now costing around €50, obtaining a license can exceed €4,000. Once the license is secured, buying a car becomes the next financial hurdle.
Entry-level models like the Dacia Sandero (€11,500) and Fiat Panda (€16,000) will now also require these expensive safety systems. These added costs are more significant for affordable models than for luxury vehicles.
The necessity of such systems, like lane-keeping assistance and speed limiters, is debated. Critics argue these measures are overregulation, limiting the driving freedom and making cars less affordable for young people.
While aiming for safer roads, the EU’s regulations restricts individual mobility and makes car ownership a luxury for the younger generation. Less freedom, more control... welcome to Brussels.