# Feds' Remote Kill Switch Plan Explained

> New law requires cars to have drunk driving prevention tech, not a remote kill switch.
- Title: Feds' Remote Kill Switch Plan Explained · The Drive | Shortify
- Summary: New law requires cars to have drunk driving prevention tech, not a remote kill switch. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandates drunk driving…
- Keywords: infrastructure investment and jobs act, national highway traffic safety administ, drunk driving prevention, nhtsa, 2021 law, 2027 deadline, ignition-interlock devices, passive monitoring system, cars, technology, Feds', Remote
- Source: The Drive — https://thedrive.com/news/heres-what-the-feds-remote-kill-switch-plan-is-really-about
- Author: Stephen Edelstein
- Published: 2026-10-04T15:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: infrastructure investment and jobs act, national highway traffic safety administ, drunk driving prevention, nhtsa, 2021 law, 2027 deadline, ignition-interlock devices, passive monitoring system, cars, technology
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandates drunk driving prevention technology in new cars, not a remote vehicle shutdown feature.