No Kill Switches in Cars Act: Guts Safety Tech Mandate

The "No Kill Switches in Cars Act" straight-up repeals Section 24220 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. That section required carmakers to install tech in new cars to prevent drunk driving. This new bill throws that out the window.

Scrapping the Safety Net

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included a provision (Section 24220) mandating that, in the future, new cars must come with technology to detect and prevent impaired driving. Think of systems that monitor driver behavior or blood alcohol levels. This bill says, "Nah," and removes that requirement entirely. For example, a construction worker who has a beer after their shift would not be prevented from driving by any future car safety system. The immediate effect? No mandated tech to stop people from driving under the influence.

Unintended Consequences?

By removing the mandate, the bill essentially leaves it up to individual drivers and existing laws to prevent drunk driving. It eliminates a layer of technological prevention. The challenge? Existing laws rely on enforcement after someone is already driving impaired. This bill removes a proactive safety measure. It also connects to a broader debate about personal freedom versus public safety. How much should the government regulate to protect people, even from themselves?

The Bottom Line

This bill is all about getting rid of a future requirement for tech that could stop impaired driving. It prioritizes individual choice over a mandated safety feature, raising questions about the balance between personal liberty and the potential impact on road safety.