Automatic emergency braking (AEB)

How does automatic braking in a car work?

Automatic emergency braking is also called AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) or emergency brake assist. Autonomous here means: the car brakes by itself. Radar, cameras or other sensors look ahead of the car. When a collision threatens, this usually happens:

1. The car warns you with a sound or a light.
2. The brakes are prepared.
3. If you do not react in time, the car brakes by itself.

With sudden danger there is not always time for a warning. The aim is to prevent a collision or to lower the speed of the impact. At higher speed the car cannot always stop. Grip, distance and speed decide what is still possible.

Do not drive closer to the car in front because your car has emergency braking. You remain responsible for driving.

What does emergency brake assist see, and what not?

Emergency brake assist mainly looks at vehicles in front of you. Whether it also recognises pedestrians, cyclists or crossing traffic differs per car and per year of manufacture. The system may react late or miss something with:

• darkness or dazzling light;
• rain, snow or fog;
• someone suddenly coming out from behind a parked car;
• dirt, snow or ice on the sensor.

Do you see a child with a ball next to a van? Ease off already. Do you get an error message? Drive extra carefully and clean the sensor in a safe place.

Which car safety systems are mandatory from 2026?

New cars in the EU must have more and more safety systems. Since 7 July 2024 every new car and van must have, among other things:

• automatic emergency braking;
• intelligent speed assistance (ISA);
• an emergency lane keeping system (lane assist);
• a drowsiness warning.

Since 7 July 2026 extra requirements apply. For example, emergency braking must recognise pedestrians and cyclists better. Older cars do not have to be converted. Sources: the EU General Safety Regulation and the 2026 extension.