New safety framework to assess vehicles in four key stages

Euro NCAP has published its 2026 safety rating protocols, which will be implemented from January 2026.

According to CTIF, the new approach introduces detailed assessments across four categories: Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection and Post-Crash Safety.

The 2026 scheme will expand evaluation beyond crash scenarios to include driver engagement, assistance systems and emergency response capabilities.

Euro NCAP stated that these updates are part of its commitment to Vision Zero, aiming to align safety assessments with advances in vehicle technology.

Safe driving and crash avoidance to be assessed in greater depth

The Safe Driving category will assess systems that monitor driver attention and provide assistance to prevent errors.

These include driver engagement indicators, occupant monitoring, and automatic control systems designed to support driving tasks.

In Crash Avoidance, vehicles will be tested on their ability to prevent collisions in multiple scenarios.

These include frontal impacts, lane departure events and low-speed situations.

The goal is to reduce the risk of accidents through early intervention.

New post-crash safety protocols to assist emergency response

A detailed Post-Crash Safety section has been added for 2026.

This includes Rescue Information, Post Crash Intervention and Extrication.

CTIF reported that these additions aim to improve the flow of rescue data to emergency services and increase the vehicle’s ability to support occupant extraction after a crash.

Scoring in this area totals 100 points.

Up to 40 points can be awarded for Rescue Sheets and Emergency Response Guides, provided they follow ISO 17840 standards and are available in the required languages across the Euro NCAP Application Area.

Advanced systems and data-sharing to support rescue operations

Post Crash Intervention protocols will assess the performance of advanced eCall systems.

These must transmit detailed crash data including vehicle location, number of occupants and type of impact.

Both the EU-mandated 112 eCall and optional Third Party Services (TPS) will be evaluated.

Multi-collision braking and automatic hazard warning lights are included in the assessment.

Extrication protocols will cover energy isolation, occupant release and window accessibility.

For electric vehicles, points are awarded for thermal runaway detection, visible alerts for responders and systems that prevent hazardous conditions for a minimum of 90 minutes.

Euro NCAP 2026 protocols set new vehicle safety standards across Europe: Summary

Euro NCAP has published its 2026 vehicle safety rating protocols.

The scheme will apply from January 2026.

CTIF confirmed the assessment will be divided into four categories: Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection and Post-Crash Safety.

Safe Driving will examine systems such as driver monitoring and vehicle assistance.

Crash Avoidance will test prevention of frontal, lane and low-speed crashes.

Crash Protection will cover occupant and vulnerable road user impacts.

Post-Crash Safety includes protocols for rescue, intervention and extrication.

The updated post-crash section will score up to 100 points.

It includes new rules for Rescue Sheets, advanced eCall systems and multi-collision braking.

Extrication will assess energy management, door access, window function and submergence readiness.

These changes aim to improve safety assessment and assist emergency response procedures.