Know Before You Drive Act
House Committee Reviews Know Before You Drive Act to Curb Misleading Self-Driving Car Claims
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would stop car companies from using misleading names or ads that make 'partially' automated cars sound like they can drive themselves completely. Manufacturers would be banned from claiming a car has full self-driving powers if it still requires a human to stay alert and take over.
- When someone buys or leases a new car with these features, the dealer must provide a clear notice. This notice must explain exactly what the car can do, what it cannot do, and which parts of driving the human is still responsible for, such as watching for obstacles or responding to system failures.
- If a car company sends a software update that changes how the car's driving system works, they must notify the owner. This ensures drivers always know if their car's capabilities or safety limits have changed after they bought it.
- The government would add new labels to car windows, similar to fuel economy stickers. These labels would use plain language or icons to help shoppers easily compare the self-driving features and extra costs of different vehicles before they buy.
- The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general would have the power to sue or fine companies that violate these rules. This is intended to prevent accidents caused by drivers who don't realize their car's technology has limits.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Auto dealers — many of which are small businesses — would face new disclosure obligations when selling vehicles equipped with partially automated driving systems. They must provide detailed notices to buyers describing capabilities, limitations, and driver responsibilities, adding compliance costs and paperwork. However, dealers are shielded from liability if the manufacturer fails to supply the required notice.
Disabilities
Broader Impacts
Milestones
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articlesRepublicans muscle through AV framework bill at markup
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade advanced a package of 12 automotive safety bills, including the Know Before You Drive Act (H.R. 7377), which aims to increase consumer transparency regarding the limitations of partially automated driving systems.
Congresswoman Kim Schrier Introduces Know Before You Drive Act for Enhanced Road Safety
Rep. Kim Schrier introduced the Know Before You Drive Act to prevent misleading claims about driver assistance systems. The bill mandates clear communication of vehicle capabilities and driver responsibilities, requiring manufacturers to notify owners of software updates that change system behavior.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Know Before You Drive Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.