Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1800 of 24 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Modified standard | Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/1426 |
| Publication | 28 July 2026 |
| Entry into force | Not specified in the regulation |
| Affected parties | Vehicle manufacturers, ITS equipment suppliers, intelligent road infrastructure operators |
| Category | European Regulation |
| Official reference | OJ:L_202601800 — C(2026) 5125 |
| Frequency band | 5.9 GHz harmonized in the EU for road safety ITS applications |
Vehicle manufacturers and road communication equipment suppliers face a new technical obligation. The Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1800, published on 28 July 2026, modifies Decision 2020/1426 to introduce wider frequency channels in the 5.9 GHz band harmonized across Europe, intended for safety applications in intelligent road transport systems (ITS).
The change is not cosmetic: it directly affects the data transmission capacity between vehicles (V2V) and between vehicles and infrastructure (V2I), and has direct consequences for the type-approval of on-board equipment and radio spectrum planning in each Member State.
What does this regulation establish?
Decision 2026/1800 modifies the technical framework established in 2020 for the 5.9 GHz band, which is the frequency harmonized throughout the EU for road safety communications. The specific modification introduces wider frequency channels within that band, which enables:
- Greater data transmission capacity between vehicles (V2V, vehicle-to-vehicle)
- Greater transmission capacity between vehicles and infrastructure (V2I, vehicle-to-infrastructure)
- Improved latency in critical safety communications
- Greater reliability in high-priority ITS communications
The following table summarizes the regulatory change compared to the previous situation:
| Aspect | Decision 2020/1426 (previous) | Decision 2026/1800 (new) |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency channels in 5.9 GHz band | Standard harmonized channels | Wider frequency channels introduced |
| V2V / V2I transmission capacity | Limited to previous channels | Greater capacity through wider channels |
| Latency in critical communications | Conditioned by previous channel width | Improved thanks to new technical parameters |
| On-board equipment type-approval | Based on 2020 parameters | Requires adaptation to new technical parameters |
| National radio spectrum regulatory framework | Aligned with Decision 2020/1426 | Member States must update it |
Economic and operational impact
The main impact of this decision is operational and engineering-related, with costs associated with equipment adaptation and type-approval processes. No sanctions or specific financial amounts are established in the regulation, but the business implications are clear:
- Redesign or update of hardware and firmware in on-board units (OBU) and roadside units (RSU) to operate with the new wider channels.
- New type-approval processes for on-board communication equipment, with associated certification and testing costs.
- Review of contracts and technical specifications in intelligent road infrastructure projects underway or in procurement.
- Update of national radio spectrum regulatory frameworks by Member States, which may create temporary uncertainty in deployment timelines.
- Market opportunity: the expansion of channels accelerates the deployment of connected and autonomous vehicles in Europe, opening new business lines for ITS technology suppliers.
Who does it affect?
- Vehicle manufacturers (OEM): must adapt on-board communication systems (OBU) to the new technical parameters and review their type-approval processes.
- ITS and telecommunications equipment suppliers: manufacturers of on-board units (OBU) and roadside units (RSU) operating in the 5.9 GHz band.
- Intelligent road infrastructure operators: highway managers, concessionaires and public bodies with deployed or planned V2I infrastructure.
- Certification and type-approval bodies: must update their test and certification procedures for the new parameters.
- National telecommunications administrations: responsible for updating national regulatory frameworks for radio spectrum use.
Practical example
A European vehicle manufacturer that has in development or in production models equipped with V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication systems based on the 5.9 GHz band must review whether its on-board units (OBU) are compatible with the new wider frequency channels introduced by Decision 2026/1800.
If current equipment does not support the new technical parameters, the manufacturer will have to initiate a firmware update process or hardware redesign, followed by a new type-approval process with the competent body. This affects both models already in production and those in advanced development phase. Similarly, a highway operator with RSU (roadside units) deployed for V2I communication must assess whether its current infrastructure is compatible with the new channels or if it requires equipment replacement or upgrade.
What should companies do now?
- Review inventory of ITS equipment in 5.9 GHz band: identify which on-board units (OBU) and roadside units (RSU) are deployed or in development and whether they are compatible with the new wider channels.
- Consult with technical and type-approval teams: assess whether current equipment requires firmware update, hardware redesign or a new type-approval process with the competent body.
- Review ongoing contracts and technical specifications: if there are intelligent road infrastructure projects in procurement or execution, verify that technical specifications include the new parameters of Decision 2026/1800.
- Monitor national transposition: Member States must update their radio spectrum regulatory frameworks; closely follow the timelines and conditions set by the national telecommunications administration (in Spain, CNMC and the State Secretariat for Telecommunications).
- Update connected vehicle roadmap: leverage the greater capacity of the new channels to plan higher value-added V2V and V2I services, aligning product roadmap with the new European technical framework.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly changes compared to Decision 2020/1426?
Decision 2026/1800 introduces wider frequency channels within the 5.9 GHz band harmonized in the EU for ITS. This allows greater data transmission capacity in V2V and V2I communications, improves latency and reliability of critical road safety communications. Decision 2020/1426 remains in force but is modified on this specific point.
When does Decision 2026/1800 enter into force?
The entry into force date is not specified in the published regulation data. It was published in the EU Official Journal on 28 July 2026. It is essential to consult the full text on EUR-Lex to know the exact date and any adaptation periods.
What equipment must be adapted to the new 5.9 GHz channels?
On-board communication equipment in vehicles (on-board units, OBU) and roadside units (RSU) used in intelligent road infrastructure for V2V and V2I communications must be adapted. The regulation also affects the type-approval processes for this equipment.
What must Member States do?
Member States are required to update their national regulatory frameworks for radio spectrum use to align with the new technical parameters introduced by Decision 2026/1800. In Spain, this involves actions by CNMC and the State Secretariat for Telecommunications.
Does this regulation affect the deployment of autonomous vehicles in Europe?
Yes. The expansion of channels in the 5.9 GHz band directly drives the deployment of connected and autonomous vehicles in Europe, by improving the capacity, latency and reliability of V2V and V2I communications that are critical for safe operation of these vehicles.
Official source
Consult full regulation on official source (EUR-Lex)
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601800