All new US cars will require driver monitoring technology | ChicagoLIVE

May 1, 2026 - 22:51

All new passenger vehicles sold in the United States will soon be required to include built-in driver monitoring systems, according to new federal safety regulations announced this week. The mandate, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aims to combat impaired and distracted driving by using cameras and sensors to track a driver's alertness in real time.

Under the new rules, automakers must equip every new car, truck, and SUV with technology that can detect signs of intoxication, drowsiness, or distraction. The systems will monitor eye movement, head position, and steering patterns. If the system determines a driver is impaired, it can issue audible alerts, vibrate the steering wheel, or even gradually slow the vehicle to a stop.

Safety advocates have praised the move, citing data that shows impaired driving contributes to nearly a third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. "This is a major step toward preventing thousands of preventable deaths each year," said one transportation safety analyst.

However, the mandate has sparked debate over privacy. Critics argue that constant in-cabin surveillance raises concerns about data collection and potential misuse by law enforcement or insurance companies. Automakers have been directed to ensure that video data is processed locally and not transmitted unless in an emergency.

The rules will take effect for model year 2027 vehicles, giving manufacturers time to integrate the technology. Some luxury brands already offer similar systems, but the new requirement will make them standard across all price points.