EU 5.9 GHz ITS Amendment: Key Changes to Connected Vehicle Spectrum

The European Commission is advancing an amendment to its regulatory framework governing Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) operating in the 5.9 GHz band. This initiative updates the long-standing Commission Decision 2008/671/EC, aligning it with modern connectivity demands and emerging wireless technologies.

EU 5.9 GHz ITS Amendment – Key Regulatory Changes

The EU 5.9 GHz ITS amendment introduces important updates to spectrum usage conditions:

• Revision of technical parameters for ITS operation

• Improved coexistence mechanisms with Radio Local Area Networks (RLANs) such as Wi-Fi

• Increased flexibility to support both:

  • ITS-G5 (DSRC-based systems)

  • C-V2X (cellular-based communication)

• Reinforcement of safety-critical communication priority

This reflects a shift toward technology neutrality and efficient spectrum utilization.

Importance of the 5.9 GHz Band for ITS

The 5.9 GHz spectrum is essential for enabling:

• Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication

• Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) systems

• Real-time hazard notifications

• Autonomous driving support systems

  
  

Ensuring reliable access to this band is critical for road safety and next-generation mobility in Europe.

5.9 GHz connectivity enables safer, smarter driving.

What This Means for Manufacturers

• Automotive manufacturers (OEMs):

  • Must adapt to updated coexistence requirements

  • May need to support dual communication technologies

• Telecom and chipset providers:

  • Opportunity to expand into V2X ecosystem

  • Increased need for interference mitigation design

• Testing laboratories:

  • Expansion of coexistence and performance validation testing

    
    

Certification Impact Summary

Area	Expected Impact
Radio Compliance	Updated technical limits and spectrum rules
EMC Testing	More stringent coexistence validation
EU RED Compliance	Potential updates under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
Standards	Alignment with evolving ETSI standards

Timeline + Required Actions

Timeline

• 2024–2025: Stakeholder consultation and technical studies

• 2025–2026: Draft amendment development

• Expected Adoption: Likely during 2026

  
  

Required Actions

• Monitor regulatory publications from the European Commission

• Assess product portfolios using 5.9 GHz spectrum

• Prepare for updated coexistence and interference testing

• Engage early with notified bodies and certification partners

  
  

Strategic Insight

The EU 5.9 GHz ITS amendment highlights a strategic balance between:

• Enabling innovation in wireless technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi expansion)

• Protecting safety-critical ITS communications

  
  

This evolution is key to maintaining Europe’s leadership in connected and autonomous vehicle ecosystems while ensuring robust regulatory compliance.