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
Effective July 7, 2026
Before
Basic ADAS only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic systems including AEB, ISA, lane-keeping, and drowsiness warning based on driving patterns
After (2026)
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All 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
GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026. The car will detect if you're looking at your phone or not paying attention. Basic systems like AEB, ISA, and lane-keeping were already mandatory from July 2024.
Vehicle Equipment
Effective July 1, 2026
Before
No tachograph for vans
Vans between 2.5-3.5 tonnes used for international transport were exempt from tachograph requirements
After (2026)
G2V2 smart tachograph mandatory
Vans with gross vehicle weight of 2.5-3.5 tonnes used for international goods transport must use second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2)
From July 2026, drivers of vans (2.5-3.5 tonnes) used for international goods transport need smart tachographs and are subject to the same working time rules as truck drivers. This ensures fair competition and better road safety.
Vehicle Equipment
Effective December 1, 2026
Before
M+S marking accepted
Winter tires with M+S marking were acceptable during mandatory winter tire period (December 1 - March 1)
After (2026)
3PMSF marking required
Only winter tires marked with Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol accepted for studless tires; studded tires allowed October 15 - March 31
Estonia requires studless winter tires with the 3PMSF symbol (three-peak mountain snowflake) from December 1 to March 1. Studded tires are allowed from October 15 to March 31 and don't need the 3PMSF marking. Check your tires before the season starts.
Licensing
Effective January 1, 2026
Before
Physical card only internationally
Digital driver license available domestically through e-services but physical card required abroad
After (2026)
EU-wide digital recognition
Driver licenses stored in EU Digital Identity Wallet recognized by police across EU member states; Estonia's e-ID infrastructure enables seamless integration
Estonia's advanced digital infrastructure means the EU Digital Identity Wallet integration is smooth. Your driver license can be stored digitally and recognized across the EU. Keep your physical card for travel outside the EU.
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, 2026
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