NHTSA Seeks Comments on Gathering Driver Monitoring System Data
Published Date: 10/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking for approval to collect info on new driver monitoring systems (DMS) that help keep drivers safe by watching how they drive. This affects car makers and safety researchers who’ll provide data to improve these systems. Comments on this plan are open until November 5, 2026, and the goal is to make driving safer without adding extra hassle or costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Paid recruitment of 48 driver participants
NHTSA and its contractor will recruit 48 public participants for a one-time driving-simulator study. Participants who complete the approximately two-hour study will receive a $120 honorarium.
Eligibility limits who can participate
To take part, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver's license, and typically drive at least 3,000 miles per year; participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Physiological and driving data collected and retained
The study will collect gaze and head/pose data, vehicle kinematics (e.g., lane position), and physiological measures (e.g., heart rate variability, electrodermal activity). Data linking completed participants to responses will be kept separate and only retained for three years for participants who complete the study; other data will be destroyed after the project period.
Participation time, health screening, and pre-session rules
Participation involves intake, simulator training and four ten-minute simulated drives (about two hours total), repeated Simulator Sickness Questionnaires, and a requirement to abstain from alcohol and recreational substances for 24 hours before the session; participants may stop at any time and will be monitored for simulator sickness.
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