Estonia adopts EU GSR2 Phase 3 safety requirements for new vehicles in 2026, introduces smart tachograph mandates for international transport vans, updates winter tire standards, and continues expanding its digital driving services.
Safety rules
Before
Basic ADAS onlySince July 2024, new cars required basic systems including AEB, ISA, lane-keeping, and drowsiness warning based on driving patterns
After (2026)
Camera-based distraction monitoringAll new cars sold in Estonia must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera monitoring to detect phone use, eating, or looking away from road
Vehicle equipment
Before
No tachograph for vansVans between 2.5-3.5 tonnes used for international transport were exempt from tachograph requirements
After (2026)
G2V2 smart tachograph mandatoryVans with gross vehicle weight of 2.5-3.5 tonnes used for international goods transport must use second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2)
Vehicle equipment
Before
M+S marking acceptedWinter tires with M+S marking were acceptable during mandatory winter tire period (December 1 - March 1)
After (2026)
3PMSF marking requiredOnly winter tires marked with Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol accepted for studless tires; studded tires allowed October 15 - March 31
Licensing
Before
Physical card only internationallyDigital driver license available domestically through e-services but physical card required abroad
After (2026)
EU-wide digital recognitionDriver licenses stored in EU Digital Identity Wallet recognized by police across EU member states; Estonia's e-ID infrastructure enables seamless integration
From July 7, 2026, all new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera-based monitoring that detects phone use or looking away from the road. Basic systems like AEB, ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance), and lane-keeping were already mandatory from July 2024 under EU GSR2.
From July 1, 2026, vans weighing 2.5-3.5 tonnes used for international goods transport must have second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2). Their drivers are also subject to the same working time and rest regulations as truck drivers.
Studless winter tires must carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol and are mandatory from December 1 to March 1. Studded tires are allowed from October 15 to March 31 and do not need the 3PMSF marking. The M+S marking alone is no longer sufficient for studless tires.
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: February 1, 2026Everything you need to pass on your first attempt
