From The Drive · Stephen Edelstein · · 1m 20s
Feds' Remote Kill Switch Plan Explained
New law requires cars to have drunk driving prevention tech, not a remote kill switch.
In brief
New law requires cars to have drunk driving prevention tech, not a remote kill switch. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandates drunk driving prevention technology in new cars, not a remote vehicle shutdown feature. Originally reported by The Drive.
Rumors of Remote Kill Switch
You may have heard rumors that starting next year a new law will require cars to have a remote kill switch for authorities to disable vehicles.
2021 Law Includes Drunk Driving Tech
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021 included Section 24220, also known as the Halt Drunk Driving Act.
Drunk Driving Prevention Tech Defined
Section 24220 defines the technology as either a passive monitoring system tracking driver behavior or blood alcohol concentration monitoring to prevent or limit vehicle operation if impairment is detected.
Ignition-Interlock Devices Change
Ignition-interlock devices that require breathalyzer tests before starting a car will shift from active court-ordered systems to passive monitoring in every new car.
No Remote Kill Switch Authority
The law does not give police or anyone else authority to remotely shut down cars for any reason, though it creates a framework for automakers to decide if a person should operate a vehicle.
2027 Deadline for Final Rules
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration missed the 2024 deadline to finalize rules and now must complete them by November 2027.
At a glance
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandates drunk driving prevention technology in new cars, not a remote vehicle shutdown feature.
