AEB could be mandatory in Australia by 2024

The Federal Government wants to make autonomous emergency braking (AEB) mandatory on all new cars sold in Australia.

A new Government proposal would have Australian Design Rules (ADR) introduced mandate all new vehicle models introduced after July 2022 have the potentially life-saving technology – which automatically slams on the brakes if it detects an impending rear-end crash – as standard.

All models on sale from July 2024 would need to feature the technology, in keeping with European regulations.

Although AEB capable of detecting pedestrians is necessary to earn a five-star rating with independent crash-testing body ANCAP, it’s not a legal requirement for carmakers in Australia.

According to ANCAP:

• 66 per cent of the new car models on sale in Australia currently have AEB as standard.
• 10 per cent reserve it for more expensive variants of a particular range.
• 6.0 per cent have it as an option.

According to the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the fitment of AEB reduces rear-end crashes by 40 per cent, and also helps minimise injuries to occupants in situations where a crash is unavoidable.

“The proposed regulatory move will help close the gap among vehicle models that are yet to voluntarily include AEB, and we encourage the introduction of an ADR that mandates AEB in the same timeframe as the EU to ensure all new car buyers benefit from this important technology,” said Rhianne Robson, ANCAP director of communications and advocacy.

Having debuted on expensive luxury cars, autonomous emergency braking is now standard on some of Australia’s cheapest cars.

It’s also rolling out across van and ute ranges, as carmakers look to offer tradies the same level of protection as regular passenger car buyers.