Know Before You Drive Act
Sponsored By: Representative Schrier
In Committee
Summary
Clear, truthful disclosure about partially automated driving systems would be required so buyers and drivers understand what these systems can and cannot do. The bill would ban misleading automation claims, force at-sale and post-sale notices, expand labeling, and widen enforcement by federal and state authorities.
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- Drivers and families would get clearer information at purchase and after software updates. Manufacturers must give a plain notice at first sale describing features, limitations, the system's operational design domain, and the driver tasks expected. A separate update must be sent for material software changes, including over-the-air updates, within 2 years.
- Vehicle manufacturers and dealers would face new disclosure and timing rules. Manufacturers must provide notices to dealers before delivery and they must avoid claims that would mislead a reasonable consumer within 180 days of enactment. Labels must say if extra service fees apply.
- Federal and state enforcers would gain tools to police claims and labels. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Trade Commission would have enforcement roles alongside state attorneys general. The Department of Transportation would issue implementing regulations within 9 months and update Automobile Information Disclosure Act labeling within 2 years.
Definitions, liability under existing law, and a timetable for rulemaking are included to guide implementation.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Stronger enforcement and state lawsuits
If enacted, violations of the Act's disclosure and misrepresentation rules would be treated as unfair or deceptive acts under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC and NHTSA would gain enforcement powers and remedies for those violations. State attorneys general could sue in federal court to stop violations and seek damages, penalties, restitution, and attorneys' fees, but must notify the FTC first and generally could not sue the same defendants while a federal action is pending. The bill would not limit other authorities or common-law claims.
Ban on misleading automation claims
If enacted, manufacturers would be banned, within 180 days, from saying a partial automation system is full automation or from claiming it can do things it cannot. The ban would apply to manufacturer statements about partially automated driving systems, features, or components. This would be aimed at reducing consumer confusion and unsafe overreliance on partial systems.
Clear automation labels on cars
If enacted, cars with partial or full automated driving systems would need a clear sticker or label. The label would list what driving tasks the system can do and whether you must supervise it for each task. It would say when the system does not work, including geography, time-of-day, road, or weather limits. It would also say if the system adds service fees and the annual amount. The Secretary of Transportation would have 9 months to issue rules and labels must be in place within 2 years after enactment.
New at-sale and update notices for buyers
If enacted, manufacturers and dealers would have to give clear notices to buyers that a vehicle has a partially automated driving system and explain its features, limits, operational design domain, and the driver tasks the buyer must perform. Manufacturers would have 2 years after enactment to comply and must give the notice to dealers before delivery. Dealers would have safe-harbor protection if a manufacturer failed to provide a proper notice. Beginning 2 years after enactment, makers would also have to notify owners, lessees, or drivers when a software update materially changes driving performance, including over-the-air updates.
Clear definitions for automated driving
If enacted, the bill would set clear legal definitions for terms like "automated driving system," "partially automated driving system," "dynamic driving task," and "operational design domain." Those definitions would decide which systems and vehicles the labels, notices, and enforcement rules cover. That would make the rest of the rules clearer for buyers and makers.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Schrier
WA • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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